Police Issue Move‑On to Woman After Antisemitic Remark at Sydney Netball Game

Context On Saturday morning, officers responded to Heffron Park in Maroubra after reports that a woman shouted antisemitic comments during a match between the Maccabi and Saints netball clubs. The incident occurred in front of children, parents and coaches, reigniting concerns raised by the national royal commission into antisemitism.

Key Facts Police identified a 42‑year‑old woman as the alleged source of the remarks and issued her a move‑on direction, ordering her to leave the area. The investigation remains open. Adam Dinte, president of Maccabi Netball NSW, called the episode “completely unacceptable” and stressed that Jewish participants have the right to play without racism or vilification. He announced a formal complaint to the Randwick Netball Association and the Saints club and confirmed ongoing communication with police and the Jewish‑led Community Security Group.

David Ossip, head of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, said the community will pursue every avenue to ensure the matter receives “the seriousness it deserves.” Alex Ryvchin, co‑chief executive of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, urged a lifetime ban for the woman and recommended that referees stop games immediately if similar abuse recurs. He warned that Jewish families now approach future matches with anxiety rather than enjoyment.

The Saints Netball Club acknowledged that a supporter linked to the club is alleged to have made the antisemitic comments. The club issued an unconditional condemnation of antisemitism and apologized to the Jewish community and anyone affected. Randwick Netball Association president Jenny Morrissey said the body is cooperating with Netball NSW to investigate and respond, reaffirming that netball must remain inclusive.

What It Means The police move‑on direction signals that authorities consider the behaviour a breach of community standards, but it stops short of criminal charges. Community leaders’ calls for a lifetime ban reflect growing pressure on sporting bodies to adopt zero‑tolerance policies for hate speech. As the royal commission continues its hearings, the incident underscores the need for clear protocols to protect children from discrimination on the field.

Watch for any policy changes from Netball NSW and the outcome of the police investigation, which will determine whether further legal action follows.