The Ballarat Football Netball League is investigating claims a supporter hurled "unacceptable" sexist abuse at a teenage female football umpire during a practice match at the weekend.
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It's understood the umpire had to send multiple players off the field after a number of heated incidents during a match between Melton South and Ocean Grove, from the Bellarine Football League.
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It's alleged that after the umpire reported a Melton South player, a supporter of the club hurled sexist abuse at her and questioned whether she was fit to umpire a men's game.
Ballarat Football Netball League general manager Shane Anwyl said it would assist AFL Barwon - who oversees the Bellarine Football League - and AFL Victoria with their investigations.
"The Ballarat FNL is concerned with reports of actions and circumstances that are alleged from a practice match last weekend," he said.
"The league welcomes an investigation into the allegations and will provide all the necessary support and details to ensure an appropriate outcome is achieved for all parties involved.
"Umpires and volunteer officials are an integral part of our great game and we support their active participation to allow communities to participate in sport, particularly in the current COVID environment."
Geelong Football Umpires League chairman Leigh Johnson said the umpire involved was "quite upset with the events".
"We don't know the nature of what was said but we know there was abuse," he told 3AW.
"Any form of abuse is just not acceptable. We think it's really disappointing.
"One thing to also mention is that we were approached by AFL Barwon to umpire the match free of charge, which we did because all club were going through financial hardship."
The Courier contacted Melton South for comment but calls were not returned.
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