A 46-year-old man from Whitford City has been charged with allegedly strangling an 11-year-old boy during a football match at Abbeville Park in northern Perth. The incident took place on a Sunday afternoon between 11 am and 1 pm, when Mindarie Football Club was playing against Whitford City Football Club. Witnesses report that the man approached the child in the midst of the game, placing his hands around the boy’s throat in full view of parents and other children.
Fortunately, the child did not sustain any injuries and did not require medical attention. The accused was charged with the serious offence of impeding the child’s normal breathing or blood circulation. In response, Whitford City FC has swiftly banned the man from all club activities while the legal proceedings are underway, emphasising their commitment to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of players, families, and volunteers.
In a statement, the club expressed its cooperation with local authorities, stressing its seriousness regarding such matters. Mindarie FC’s president reiterated the priority of the child’s welfare, promising to support all investigations alongside authorities and the other club involved.
Football West, the governing body of the sport in the state, indicated that the man might be subject to a lifetime ban if found in violation of its conduct codes. The accused is set to appear in Joondalup Magistrates Court on June 6 to address the charges against him. This incident serves as a reminder that while competitive spirit is integral to sports, the safety and enjoyment of young players must always take precedence.