Latest News

Back to Latest News back

 

Cricket Australia and Optus Stadium management condemn white supremacist banner at Big Bash League game

Cricket Australia and Optus Stadium management condemn white supremacist banner at Big Bash League game
January 25, 2019

Cricket authorities and the management of Perth's Optus Stadium have denounced an 'It's OK to be white' banner unfurled during a Big Bash League match at the venue last night.

The banner, at Thursday night's match between the Perth Scorchers and Sydney Thunder, was displayed from the venue's top tier for several minutes before it was taken down.

Three people were then ejected from the venue.

The phrase 'it's OK to be white' has often been associated with neo-Nazi and white supremacist groups and came to additional prominence in Australia when One Nation senator Pauline Hanson moved the term as a motion in Federal Parliament late last year.

It was initially supported by the Federal Government, which later apologised and claimed the vote in favour was caused by an "administrative error".

Cricket Australia said it would issue a "first and final warning" to the those involved with the displaying of the banner.

In a statement it advised "Cricket Australia takes a zero-tolerance approach to antisocial behaviour at any of our matches, which includes racial vilification."

Optus Stadium Chief Executive Mike McKenna said ejecting the patrons and removing the banner was the right move, advising "this is a stadium that is designed to bring people together.

"People are coming here to have a good time, not to be part of somebody's political statement."

Images: A white banner reading 'It's OK to be white' hanging from one of the stands at Perth Stadium (top) and the venue at dusk (below).

Related Articles

9th January 2019 - 27 design awards for Perth’s Optus Stadium in 2018

13th December 2018 - Big Bash League ticket demand exceeds Test match sales in Perth

28th August 2018 - Australian cricket unhappy at recycling of corruption claims

23rd July 2018 - New media and communications head appointed at Perth’s Optus Stadium

20th November 2017 - One Day cricket international to be first sporting fixture at Perth’s Optus Stadium

13th April 2017 - Racist abuse from fans ‘wrecking’ AFL says Adelaide star Eddie Betts

4th August 2015 - AFL Chief Executive Gillon McLachlan says the sport has zero tolerance for racism

5th July 2013 - Partnerships to help stamp out racism in Western Australian sport

27th May 2013 - Sport stars unite to stamp racism out of sport

18th November 2009 - ICC introduces anti-racism, anti-corruption codes


Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.

 

supplier directory

The Complete Guide to Leisure Industry Products & Services.

See the directory see all

Pricemark Pty Ltd

Pricemark supplies a wide range of custom branded membership & RFID access products for the Health & Leisure Industry. 

read more

Access

 
 

Spill Station Australia

Compliant chemical storage and decanting solutions. Includes spill kits, spill containment pallets, chemical decanting decks and safety shower and eyewash equipment. See our full range of solutions

read more

Aquatics / Safety / Security / Venues

 
 

GymMaster

Contact: Australia: (+61) 1800 849 001 New Zealand: (+64) 3 668 5727 International: (+1) 415 915 0375

read more

Fitness / Recreation / Technology

 
 

ProSlide Technology

ProSlide is the global leader in water ride design and manufacturing, supplying high-performance water attractions to new and expanding water parks around the world. For over three decades, ProSlide…

read more

Aquatics / Play / Waterparks

 
 

Riedel Communications Australia Pty Ltd

We live for media production and global events, providing real-time networks for video, audio, data and communications.

read more

Entertainment / Events / Technology / Venues

 
 

Envibe

With its sleek good looks and easy-to-use yet powerful functionality, Envibe is the premium fitness club software for the Australasian leisure, recreation and fitness industry. We are the most…

read more

Aquatics / Fitness / Recreation / Technology

 
 

Otium Planning Group

Otium Planning Group is a contemporary sport and leisure consultancy providing services in planning, facility development, management and funding for the sport, recreation and leisure industries…

read more

Aquatics / Consultants / Recreation / Sport / Venues

 
 

Debitsuccess

Debitsuccess is now part of Xplor Technologies.

read more

Billing / Finance / Fitness / Golf / Recreation

 
 
 
 

get listed with our suppliers directory

Get your business noticed in our targeted directory. Viewed by 10,000 industry professionals per week!

list your business