A woman has been charged with using offensive language following an alleged antisemitic incident at a children's netball game involving a Jewish-led team in Sydney. New South Wales police responded to netball courts at Heffron Park in Maroubra shortly after 10am on Saturday after reports that a woman had directed offensive comments toward a group at an under-12s match between Maccabi Netball NSW and Saints Netball Club.
Officers spoke with a 42-year-old woman, who was initially issued a move-on direction. After further inquiries, police announced on Sunday that the woman had been charged with allegedly using offensive language in or near a public place or school. She is scheduled to appear at Waverley Local Court on 17 June.
Club and community response
In a statement to club members on Saturday, Adam Dinte, president of Maccabi Netball NSW, confirmed the organisation was aware of the alleged incident, describing it as 'deeply distressing'. Dinte said the club is liaising with police and the Jewish-led Community Security Group (CSG) and is preparing a formal letter of complaint to the Randwick Netball Association and Saints Netball Club.
The alleged incident comes just after the first week of public hearings of the royal commission into antisemitism. David Ossip, president of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, said he was aware of the incident.
Saints Netball Club issued a statement on social media acknowledging the alleged incident, in which 'a supporter associated with the club is alleged to have made comments of an antisemitic nature'. The club 'unequivocally condemns and disavows antisemitism in all its forms'.
Jenny Morrissey, president of the Randwick Netball Association, said the organisation is working with Netball NSW 'as we investigate and respond to the matter'. She added: 'Netball is a place where everyone is welcome.'
Political reaction
NSW Environment Minister Penny Sharpe expressed concern, stating: '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.'
