Parent who launched VILE racial abuse on teenage bush footy umpire only gets a six-week ban

Community members have expressed their anger and disappointment that a mother who racially abused a 17-year-old umpire to the point he nearly quit forever was only banned from the footy for six week.

Albury teenager Sanjaya Koirala was tormented by the mother in the crowd during an under-16s football match at Bunton Park in North Albury on June 16, being called ‘black umpire’ repeatedly along with animal names.

The ABC has reported that the AFL North East Border Umpires Association confirmed that the perpetrator had received a six week ban from attending football matches and that she also refused to apologise.

The incident and subsequent slap on the wrist almost forced Koirala to give up the game that he loves.

‘It makes me want to quit,’ he said.

‘I am at a point where I thought I was not going back.

‘I told everyone I was quitting but in the end, I came back strong and I am still doing it.

 ‘It is disappointing — I don’t get why people can’t be nice to one another.’

 Sanjaya’s friend and mentor Richard Hendy slammed the penalty issued to the perpetrator and called for greater protection for all footy officials.

‘Do we accept a six-week ban for racially vilifying a child? Is that OK? It is not even remotely OK,’ he said.

‘It is devastating to see someone who is of his character – a lovely young gentleman – be devastated by these people who have no place in sport.

‘You have to remember this is a young guy who is 17. He should be protected a lot better than he has been.

‘He has, in my opinion, been treated horrifically — it has to stop.

 ‘I am sure there are wonderful people out there who do the right thing, but people need to have natural consequences for their behaviour.’

 Since the incident, Koirala has received an outpouring of support from people all ‘over Australia.

Sanjaya Koirala (centre) strongly considered quitting being an umpire because of the abuse

It was alarming to read about your challenges in your job as umpire. Well, now I am a fan and I stand by your decision to stay with it,’ Diane Dee Macdonald posted on his social media.

‘That shows real courage, you are on your way to being an amazing adult and role model. Thank you.’

Anthony Marinac posted: ‘Mate from one umpire to another, you hang in there. Don’t let them force you out of the game you love and your fine ambitions. Go for it!’

‘They can eat their bloody words when you are holding the ball up on the last weekend of September in the middle of the MCG.’

 Koirala has since decided to stick with the sport despite the incident.

‘I am going to stay at it, focus on myself, push negative comments and negative people from my life and then we will see what the future holds,’ Sanjaya said.