AN INVESTIGATION is currently underway into alleged discriminatory comments made towards a female football player during an Under-14 match in the South East Juniors (SEJ) football league on the weekend.
SEJ General Manager Shaun Connell confirmed the incident on Tuesday and said it would be handled in accordance with the AFL Victoria Vilification and Discrimination Policy.
“Given the nature of the allegation and the ages of the people involved the league and respective clubs will not be making any comment in regards to this matter,” he said.
“The league’s position in this regard reflects the policy confidentiality clause and will protect the integrity of the process and those individuals involved.”
It comes as the league was also forced to call off a match at Holm Park on the weekend after a fight erupted between the Berwick and Beaconsfield Under 17s.
The incident, also under investigation by South East Juniors, threatened to escalate when a non-playing teenager in the crowd came onto the field and joined in a melee.
“Allegations of a non-playing registered player entering the melee will form part of the investigation,” Mr Connell said.
“Umpires made a call to end the game based on the potential for the melee to escalate and having due regard to the safety of the umpiring panel.”