Shocking Sideline Abuse Halts Under-12 Netball Match in Maroubra

On a sunny Saturday morning at Heffron Park in Sydney's eastern suburb of Maroubra, what should have been a joyful under-12 girls' netball game between Maccabi Netball Club and Saints Netball Club turned into a scene of distress and confrontation. Around 10am on May 9, 2026, a 42-year-old woman allegedly directed a series of antisemitic slurs at players and parents from the Maccabi team, which is affiliated with the local Jewish community. Witnesses report that the woman shouted expletive-laden phrases targeting Jewish people, including claims that they 'should have been eradicated.' The outburst, heard by multiple spectators, prompted immediate intervention from parents and community leaders, ultimately leading to police involvement.

The game, part of the Randwick Netball Association competition, was disrupted as young players, some as young as 10, were exposed to the hateful language. Parents described the children as 'shaken' and upset, with the match halting amid the chaos. This incident underscores a growing concern about hate speech infiltrating everyday community activities, particularly in family-oriented sports like netball, Australia's most popular women's sport.

Eyewitness Accounts and the Confrontation Caught on Video

Alex Ryvchin, co-chief executive of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ), happened to be nearby and rushed to the scene after being alerted. In a 28-second video circulating online, Mr. Ryvchin confronts the woman, asking directly if she made the alleged remarks. She repeatedly denies it before sarcastically suggesting calling the police. Another man, believed to be associated with the Saints club, interjected with comments like 'There's a reason why this happens to you people every weekend' and 'You're always playing the victim,' further escalating tensions.

Other witnesses corroborated the woman's initial slurs, describing how a passerby challenged her, prompting her to repeat the offensive phrase. Maccabi Netball NSW president Adam Dinte called it a 'deeply distressing' event, noting the emotional toll on the young athletes who were simply there to play. The video evidence has fueled widespread outrage on social media, with many highlighting it as emblematic of normalized antisemitism in public spaces.

Swift Police Response and Legal Charges

Officers from the Eastern Suburbs Police Area Command arrived shortly after 10am. They spoke with the woman at the scene, issuing a move-on order but not arresting her initially. Following further inquiries, she was charged on Sunday, May 10, with using offensive language in or near a public place or school—a summary offense carrying a maximum fine of $660 or a community correction order. The Maroubra resident is scheduled to appear at Waverley Local Court on June 17, 2026.

NSW Police confirmed the investigation remains ongoing, emphasizing their commitment to addressing hate-motivated incidents. This charge reflects broader efforts by law enforcement to tackle rising verbal abuse amid Australia's antisemitism crisis.

Netball Bodies Impose Immediate Suspension

Netball NSW and Netball Australia responded decisively. Netball NSW expressed being 'deeply saddened' by the reports, stating that 'antisemitism and discrimination of any kind have absolutely no place in our game and will not be tolerated.' The Randwick Netball Association echoed this, affirming netball as a welcoming space and committing to apply their integrity framework.

Netball Australia provisionally suspended the woman indefinitely from attending or participating in any netball activities or venues pending investigation. Interim CEO Mark Falvo pledged full support to local bodies and outreach to Jewish and netball communities to foster safety. Saints Netball Club disavowed the remarks, apologizing sincerely and clarifying they do not align with club values. For more on their response, see the Netball NSW statement.

Outrage from Jewish Community Leaders

Mr. Ryvchin labeled the slurs 'disgusting and abhorrent,' calling for a lifetime ban and viewing it as a stark example of societal antisemitism. NSW Jewish Board of Deputies president David Ossip noted awareness of the event, while the broader community sees it as part of a pattern. Amid the Royal Commission's first hearings in Sydney, such incidents amplify calls for stronger protections.

Community Security Group (CSG) and Maccabi officials are coordinating with police, filing formal complaints against the association and opposing club.

Photo by Romina Farías on Unsplash

Government and Political Condemnation

NSW Environment Minister Penny Sharpe voiced government concern: '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.' The incident coincides with the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion's Sydney hearings (May 4-15), where sports-related abuse was highlighted.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's government established the commission post the December 2025 Bondi attack. Details on the commission can be found at the official site.

Rising Antisemitism in Community Sports

This netball clash fits a troubling trend. AJAX Football Club president Daniel Onas testified to the Royal Commission about unprecedented incidents, including players told 'Hitler should have finished you off' and parents called 'bloody Jew.' ECAJ's 2025 report notes verbal abuse surging in sports settings.

• Junior football: Slurs like 'dirty Jew' during Melbourne matches.
• Synagogue-adjacent fields: Graffiti and threats near Jewish clubs.
• National pattern: Hate infiltrating sidelines nationwide.

Experts urge bystander training and zero-tolerance policies in sports codes. ABC coverage details similar cases.

National Statistics Paint Alarming Picture

The Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ) recorded 1,654 antisemitic incidents from October 2024 to September 2025—a 19.7% drop from 2024's 2,062 but triple the pre-October 2023 average of 342 annually. NSW saw 662, concentrated in Sydney suburbs like Maroubra.

Download the full ECAJ 2025 report for breakdowns. Post-October 2023, averages hit 1,858 yearly, with sports emerging as a hotspot.

Emotional Impact on Young Athletes and Families

For the under-12 girls, the exposure to such vitriol has lingering effects. Parents report children questioning their safety at sports, fearing similar abuse. Psychologists note trauma from hate speech can erode confidence and community ties. Maccabi emphasizes resilience training, but incidents like this test families' resolve.

Broader implications include reduced participation by Jewish families in sports, mirroring trends in schools and public life.

The Royal Commission's Role and Future Outlook

Established January 9, 2026, by Commissioner Virginia Bell AC following the Bondi terror attack, the Royal Commission examines antisemitism's roots and social cohesion threats. Interim report (April 30) urges urgent action; hearings heard from victims of sports hate.

Stakeholders call for education, reporting apps, and penalties. Netball's response sets precedent, but sustained vigilance is key to reclaiming safe spaces.

Photo by Alexey Elfimov on Unsplash

Actionable Steps for Safer Community Sports

• Report Immediately: Use police or club hotlines for swift response.
• Bystander Intervention: Safe confrontation and documentation.
• Club Policies: Mandatory anti-hate training for officials.
• Parental Role: Model respect, educate children on diversity.
• Government Support: Fund security for at-risk clubs.

Australia's netball community, with over 1 million participants, must unite against division for future generations.