Suspension and club fine for slur against runner
An official from the Cervantes Football Club was suspended for two matches and the club was fined $500 relating to a slur against a female runner during a semi final against Lancelin Ledge Football Club at the weekend.
The Central Midlands Coast Football League met last night and president Steve Gilbert said the club and the official involved apologised to all concerned.
“Hopefully we can move on from this and not see anything like this occur in the future,” he said.
WA professional golfer Kristie Smith was running water for the Lancelin Ledge Football Club in the Central Midland Coast Football League semifinal on Saturday.
She says rude, derogatory remarks about her came from the Cervantes Football Club bench.
"I love volunteering and enjoy watching the boys having a kick and it's sad that they stoop to that level to attack a female volunteer in that way," she said.
"To use that language, not only against me but players and coaching staff, it's not sportsmanlike at all and it's not the first time it has happened."
The 26-year-old's father, former professional golfer turned sports manager Wayne Smith, is the bench coach for the Lancelin Pirates and said the club had lodged a formal complaint with the league.
"It was foul language, completely inappropriate and disgusting," he said.
"For volunteers to be abused like that, there has to be some consequences."
Mr Smith said several members of the Cervantes Tiger Sharks apologised to him at half-time.
"You have to give them credit, they were quick to apologise, but sorry doesn't cut the mustard. The world we live in now - it's not acceptable," he said.
Cervantes president Dale Simmons said the behaviour was inappropriate and involved one "throwaway line".
"We are embarrassed and we are dealing with it," Mr Simmons said.
"It was an isolated incident and it's not the thoughts of the Cervantes Football Club. We don't condone it but it has been blown way out of proportion."
The Lancelin Pirates won the semifinal against the Cervantes Tiger Sharks by 10 points.
