By Tanya Steele
An investigation has been launched after an eastern Melbourne football team allegedly rated and attempted to trip over other players from an opposing women’s team as they began their game.
Female football players from Donvale were subjected to alleged verbal abuse and physical contact from male players on an opposing team on Saturday 11 May.
This behaviour comes after recent news of Yarra Valley Grammar male students ranking female students in a list based on their appearance, with two boys expelled.
3AW’s reporter Jacqui Felgate stated on air on Monday 13 May that male Knox players were involved in the incident as women’s Donvale players ran out for the second half.
“As the women ran out at half time, male players from Knox lined up on either side of the race, and yelled at ratings for each player,” she said.
“They held out their legs to trip the women over and used the phrases yes, no, mediocre, rating each female player.”
“The players were rightly upset but they played out the rest of the game.”
Knox Football Club released a statement to the Star Mail on Tuesday 14 May that said that behaviour of this kind is completely unacceptable, and they are deeply concerned by the incident.
“As soon as we were made aware of the incident we immediately launched an investigation, and are committed to take firm action to ensure that all players are aware that we do not condone this type of behaviour,” they said.
“We have extended our deepest apologies to the Donvale Football Club, and will continue to work closely with them and the EFNL, to keep them informed on the outcome and actions taken as a result of our investigation.”
“The safety of all players is paramount and we do not tolerate antisocial behaviour or behaviour that is disrespectful to women.”
The club released a similar statement online on its Facebook page addressing the Knox football and netball club community.
The President of Donvale Football Club John Giles said that the club have been made aware by our women’s team that they were subjected to offensive remarks by an opposing club on Saturday.
“This is a matter of serious concern and we are investigating further,” he said.
Mr Giles said that Donvale have been informed that both the opposing club and the league are investigating the matter.”
“We feel that no further comment should be made by us until these investigations are completed,” he said.
