Footage of a vicious tackle in a National Premier Leagues football game in Sydney has gone viral, prompting calls for the offending player to be given a hefty ban.
The incident occurred on Saturday in North West Sydney Spirit FC’s 1-0 win over Sutherland Sharks at Christie Park sportsground at Macquarie Park.
It was a grudge match given that NWS Spirit coach David Perkovic left the premiership-winning team to join Sutherland.
The Spirit scored against the run of play in the 32nd minute through new signing Kosta Petratos as tensions then boiled over in the second half.
Four yellow cards were handed out before Spirit FC player Callum Kealy trod on the right foot of Sutherland’s Jamie Percevski in the 70th minute.
In what appeared to be an unprovoked off-the-ball challenge, Kealy stomped on the ankle of Percevski, who fell to the ground in pain.
Watch the vicious tackle in the video player above
Kealy was bold enough to put his arms out as if to claim he had done nothing wrong, but the referee was having none of it and sent him off after Kealy received a yellow card in the sixth minute.
In a statement, the Spirit’s club chairman condemned the tackle and said Kealy had been stood down while the judicial process ran its course.
“Spirit FC is aware of an incident that occurred during Saturday night’s match against Sutherland Sharks,” NWS Spirit said in a statement.
“The club has taken immediate action and has stood down the player involved from all training and match participation while the matter is reviewed through the Football NSW judicial process.
“Spirit FC will fully cooperate with Football NSW as this process runs its course.
“Our thoughts are with Jamie Percevski, and we sincerely hope he is OK.
“As this matter is now subject to an ongoing judicial process, Spirit FC will be making no further comment at this time.
“Spirit FC remains committed to upholding the values of respect, safety, and integrity across our club and this great game.”
The Sutherland Sharks said in a statement: “Our thoughts are with Jamie Percevski. While the extent of his injury is yet to be determined, we sincerely hope it is not serious and wish him a full and speedy recovery.
“The act in question does not align with the spirit of the game.”
Footage of the tackle went viral on social media, prompting many fans to call for Kealy to be given a heavy punishment.
Popular football account The Forty Four wrote on X: “HE SHOULD NEVER BE ALLOWED TO PLAY FOOTBALL AGAIN.
Former AFL player turned influencer Daniel Gorringe posted: “Life ban for him.”
Sports reporter Vince Rugari wrote: “What the hell man.”
Despite going down to 10 men, NWS Spirit held on to claim a 1-0 win in the first game of the season.
“We actually prepared for having a man down in training — we’ve prepared for moments like this,” Spirit goalkeeper Christopher Marques said.
“There was a little more emotion playing against former teammates and an ex-coach, but Round One always brings that extra excitement.”