An entire men’s soccer team has been removed amid an investigation after they allegedly graded the appearance of a women’s team as they entered the field.
One of the players has told how she “felt helpless” when she and her Donvale teammates entered the field after half-time against Knox, and the rival club’s male players rated the players “1-10” or “hot.” or not’.
The men also tried to trip the women as they ran away.
Now the club has announced that the entire men’s reserve team has been stood down indefinitely pending an investigation into the incident.
One Donvale player, speaking anonymously to News Corp, said the incident was “overwhelming” and that she and her teammates were already feeling “uncomfortable” before the comments were made. After the game, she says they broke down crying.
“It was very difficult to take in because we had a game to play, but as soon as the game was over and we all realized what had happened, many of us burst into tears and felt helpless,” he said.
‘Personally I have never had anything as complete as this. Some men came up to me and said things that weren’t really appropriate, but this was a group of 20 men standing around, laughing and making comments about us.
The Donvale players (pictured) were left shaken by the incident but still managed to win the match. One of the players has since spoken out.
‘The only thing I want to emphasize is the number of other Knox men who stood around them without saying anything.
“Unfortunately, I really believe that men are not going to stop behaving like this unless other men call it out, they don’t listen to women.”
The incident occurred during an Eastern Football Netball League match and the player insists that heavy sanctions must be imposed.
“There has to be a punishment because unfortunately these kids are not going to learn unless something like football is taken away from them,” he said.
“I think there needs to be education and an outside group that comes to educate everyone.”
The incident has sparked widespread outcry in the football community, with Port Adelaide star Travis Boak publicly condemning the episode.
‘(It is) up to the club and the league to handle (the) punishment, but I’m sorry are you going to cut it? “Will this affect any behavioral changes?” he told News Corp.
‘High standards of respect need to be set in all workplaces and then a high level of support to help educate everyone about the importance of being a good human being and the effects this has.
“It’s not about ‘you’ve done this, you’re a bad person’ but how can you learn and be better from this because that’s not the level of respect we have for women and people in our community.”
Boak said that only men can change men’s behavior towards women.
‘No one is above anyone, we are all equal and respect for women and women in sport is part of being a good human being,’ he said.
“This type of action simply does not represent how we should show up in the world, particularly towards women and women in football, where the game has grown so much and become such a huge success in terms of young girls striving for playing at the highest level and Follow your AFL heroes.
A men’s reserve team has been withdrawn following the incident.
Port Adelaide star Travis Boak criticized Knox players’ behavior on social media
An investigation is underway and Knox announced that his reserve team has been stood down “indefinitely” until the investigation is complete.
“Our internal investigation carried out by KFNC in conjunction with Donvale Football Club revealed that the individuals involved were members of our development team,” a statement from the club read.
‘At the request of KFNC, EFNL has launched an independent investigation into the incident to ensure transparency and accountability.
‘KFNC is implementing a comprehensive domestic and behavioral violence education program across the club. Participation in this program will be mandatory for all members, with the rule of “no education, no play” in place.
“We understand the seriousness of this situation and the importance of taking quick and decisive action.”
Donvale president John Giles said: “Our women’s team has informed Donvale Football Club that they were the subject of offensive comments by an opposing club on Saturday.”
‘This is a matter of serious concern and we are investigating further.
‘In addition, we have been informed that both the opposing club and the league are investigating the matter.
“We believe we should not comment further until these investigations are completed.”