A 42-year-old woman has been charged with using offensive language after allegedly making antisemitic comments at a children's netball match in Sydney. The incident occurred at Heffron Park in Maroubra on Saturday during an under-12s game between the Maccabi and Saints netball clubs.
New South Wales police said they were called to the scene just after 10am following reports of offensive comments directed at a group of people. The woman was initially given a move-on direction but was later charged after further inquiries. She is due to appear before Waverley Local Court on 17 June.
Maccabi Netball NSW president Adam Dinte described the alleged incident as 'deeply distressing' in a statement to club members. He confirmed the club was cooperating with police and the Community Security Group, and was writing a formal complaint to the Randwick Netball Association and Saints netball club.
The Saints Netball Club issued a statement saying it was aware of the allegations and 'unequivocally condemns and disavows antisemitism in all its forms'. Randwick Netball Association president Jenny Morrissey said the organisation was working with Netball NSW to investigate the matter.
NSW Environment Minister Penny Sharpe said the government was 'very concerned' by the incident, adding: 'Kids should be able to play sports safely. Our Jewish community should be able to move around and live in this community free from fear and free from abuse.'
