MAROUBRA, SYDNEY — New South Wales police were called to netball courts at Heffron Park in Maroubra just after 10am on Saturday after reports a woman made offensive comments toward a group of people at an under-12s game between the Maccabi and Saints netball clubs. Officers spoke with a 42-year-old woman and gave her a move-on direction, and said inquiries into the incident are continuing.

Maccabi Netball NSW president Adam Dinte addressed the matter in a statement to club members. "We are aware of an alleged 'deeply distressing antisemitic incident' that occurred involving Jewish players and families from our club," Dinte said. "What took place was completely unacceptable. Jewish players, parents, coaches, administrators and supporters have the right to participate in community sport safely and confidently, free from racism, abuse, intimidation or vilification."

Dinte said the club was communicating with police and the Jewish-led Community Security Group in relation to the incident and was writing a formal letter of complaint to the Randwick Netball Association and the Saints Netball Club.

The Saints Netball Club said it was aware of the incident in which a supporter associated with the club is alleged to have made comments of an antisemitic nature. In a statement, the club said, "The Saints Netball Club unequivocally condemns and disavows antisemitism in all its forms." The club apologised "to the Jewish community, to those directly affected, and to anyone who encountered these comments, or was directly affected by them."

Alex Ryvchin, co-chief executive of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, said the woman who allegedly made the comments should receive "a life ban." He called for changes to how such conduct is handled during matches. "Team managers and referees should also be instructed to stop games the second such abuse occurs. It shouldn't be left to kids and parents to deal with," Ryvchin said. "It's really horrible that Jewish families will be going to their games next week worried about what will happen rather than enjoying weekend sports with their kids," he said.