WA Football Commission confirms racist abuse Central Midlands Coastal Football League, but no culprits

A West Australian Football Commission probe has confirmed vile racial abuse was hurled at several country football players of African descent by at least one spectator — but could not “conclusively” identify the culprit. Several Jurien Bay players said they were crudely taunted by a small group of fans during their July 10 loss to Cervantes in the Central Midlands Coastal Football League. Garnett Kachito said the onlookers used highly offensive derogatory terms during the torrent of abuse at him and his teammates. “From start to finish, they attacked us,” he told The West Australian on Wednesday. Mr Kachito said he had faced racism before, but this was the first time it had happened at football and it was “extreme”. Teammate Dominic Kennedy, who suffered racial abuse while previously playing for WAFL club Subiaco, said he heard the fans making offensive noises. “They kept chanting at me and swearing at me. I’m upset (but) I can’t do anything. Just got to leave it to the higher (up) people to sort out,” he said. Despite finding no one responsible or handing out sanctions of any kind the WAFC said its investigationwas now over. It was established racial abuse took place, however, the person responsible could not be “conclusively” identified, according to the spokesman. “The findings state that racial vilification towards a Jurien Bay player did occur, however the individual within the spectator group could not be identified conclusively,” the spokesman said. “The WAFC is now working with both clubs, the player, and the CMCFL to appropriately deal with situation moving forward. “The WAFC strongly condemns the racial vilification of players across all levels of our game and will continue to strive to create a safe environment for all participants. “There is no place for racism in sport or in the community.” Jurien Bay made a complaint after tensions threatened to boil over at full time.