WA footy club president faces action for 'dopey mole' sledge against female AFL umpire
A Western Australian country football club president faces disciplinary action for a series of social media sledges he reportedly made about the AFL’s first female lead umpire and the newly-established Women’s AFL.
Cervantes Tiger Sharks president Dale Simmons publicly called Eleni Glouftsis a “dopey mole [sic]” on Facebook, following Essendon's win over West Coast last Sunday, The West Australian reported.
The 25-year-old school teacher became the first woman to officiate as a field umpire in an elite-level Australian rules football match.
A number of Bombers and Eagles players sought Glouftsis out to congratulate her on the momentous achievement ahead of the first bounce in her debut match.
Glouftsis was widely praised for her debut, despite a few sub-par bounces, which were blamed on an unusually soft relaid strip of turf in the centre of Etihad Stadium.
Despite this, Mr Simmons took to Facebook to mock Glouftsis' performance.
"Failed to pay a mark to Mutimer in the first quarter less than 10 m away from her with clear view. Does the dopey mole know that you are allowed to take it one handed if you want?"
The AFL yesterday confirmed Glouftsis would officiate another game in the upcoming round 10.
Mr Simmons’ tirade came after his Facebook comments reportedly suggesting AFLW athletes were better off working in the canteen, rather than playing at an elite level.
In March, the Tiger Sharks president wrote: “They should get the same as the men $25.13 per hour working for Mustard Catering selling hot dogs and pies and a bit more on Sunday,” according to The West Australian.
The posts have been criticised by the WA Football Commission, which is yet to decide on a disciplinary action for Mr Simmons’ degrading social media remarks.
“In what has been a milestone year for female football, it is extremely disappointing to hear that such unacceptable comments have been made,” a WAFC spokesman said.
“The WAFC is discussing the matter with the WA Country Football League to ensure the appropriate action is taken and a clear message is sent that this type of behaviour will not be tolerated.”
Mr Simmons has been contacted by the media for comment.
