'Extremely lenient': Box Hill North players sanctioned over inappropriate photos
Box Hill North Football Club players faced sanctions for inappropriate photos, which have been criticized as extremely lenient by a former team captain.
Players from the Box Hill North Football Club have been sanctioned for posting inappropriate photos on social media following their post-season celebrations, dubbed "Silly Saturday." The actions of the players drew sharp criticism, particularly from a former women's team captain, who labeled the penalties imposed by the governing body of their league as "extremely lenient." She had initially reported the behavior to club management back in August of the previous year.
One of the controversial images featured the captain of the men's senior team in a provocative schoolgirl outfit, engaging in what could be interpreted as inappropriate conduct with a St Kilda AFL player. This specific costume has been linked to the infamous "St Kilda schoolgirl" scandal from 2010, highlighting a troubling history that resurfaces with such incidents. Another image involved the deputy vice-captain portraying a character in full-body blackface, further adding to the incident's racial insensitivity and causing outrage among the community.
The four players involved in these photographs were officially reprimanded by the Victorian Amateur Football Association, yet the leniency of their sanctions has raised concerns about accountability and the culture within the club and the league itself. This incident not only questions the ethical standards of the clubs involved but also shines a light on larger discussions about racism, sexism, and appropriate behavior in sports, as the club grapples with its reputation in the community amidst calls for stricter punishments and inclusivity measures.