The Sydney Swans have apologised after a major detail was left out of a tribute to victims of the Bondi tragedy during their AFL season opener.
The ceremony took place before the Swans’ clash with Carlton at the SCG, where a crowd of 40,000 took part in a pre-match ceremony to honour those killed and injured in the December attack.
Swans chief executive Matthew Pavlich delivered a speech recognising the victims, their families and the emergency services who responded to the horrific event.
But the tribute has since sparked controversy after it emerged that the speech did not mention the Jewish community, which had been widely identified as the target of the attack.
Former Swans star and commentator Gerard Healy revealed that references to the Jewish community had been removed from the script before the ceremony.
‘They’re a bit messy at the moment, I’ve got to say, for something that was so fundamentally magnificent last week to start the footy season, and it was a simple error of … judgement,’ Healy said.
Swans chief executive Matthew Pavlich came under fire for his speech before the match between Sydney and Carlton
A ceremony was held to honour the victims of the Bondi tragedy at the Sydney Cricket Ground
Former Swan and media personality Gerard Healy called out the club for leaving out the Jewish community that was allegedly targeted in the shootings
‘I didn’t pick it up, but the reality was that the word Jew wasn’t mentioned at all on the night … and it’s upset a lot of Jewish people.’
The tribute delivered by Pavlich honoured victims, survivors and first responders following the Bondi tragedy.
‘On behalf of the Sydney football club and the wider AFL community we come to honour those who were injured and those who lost their lives at Bondi Beach in December,’ he said.
‘Tonight we stand with their families and friends united.
‘We also acknowledge the many brave men and women who assisted on the day and in the days and weeks which followed.
‘Tonight we are joined by representatives from our brave first responders.
‘Thank you for your outstanding contribution. To all in our community we stand with you.
‘At the Sydney Swans respect is at the core of what we do. We want all to ensure that this is the experience they have of all the people who connect with our club and the great game of AFL. At the Sydney Swans, everyone is welcome.’
The Jewish community was left shattered after 15 people were killed and 40 injured during the Bondi tragedy
While the tribute was praised by many who attended the match, criticism grew after it emerged that earlier versions of the speech reportedly included a direct reference to the Jewish community.
Healy said the wording had been altered shortly before the ceremony.
‘The script was changed. Initially, it had, we stand with the Jewish community and for whatever reason, and I think it was to just be more inclusive …’
Andrew Dillon acknowledged the nature of the attack when questioned about the controversy.
‘I will start by saying that the events of Bondi was an antisemitic attack on the Jewish community and completely at odds with Australia’s way of life and their values,’ Dillon said.
‘The tribute that was paid by the Sydney Swans in conjunction with the AFL, you wish you didn’t have to do it.
‘It was the first game of the season in front of 40,000 people at the SCG, in front of over a million people on television and streaming.
‘It was the right forum for that, and it was to pay tribute to the members of the Jewish community who lost their lives, to pay tribute to their families who are suffering now, and the rest of the community that are suffering, and also the first responders.’
Ahmed Al Ahmed was hailed a hero for stopping one of the alleged gunmen during the Bondi tragedy and was honoured at the SCG
Al Ahmed shakes hands with Sydney Swans coach Dean Cox before the match against Carlton
However Dillon admitted he was unsure how the wording of the speech had been altered.
‘I don’t know the ins and outs of scripts. Matthew did a great job of hosting that ceremony.’
Following the backlash, Swans chairman Andrew Pridham issued an apology and accepted responsibility on behalf of the club.
‘I am grateful to journalist and former Swans star Gerard Healy who called me yesterday to make me aware that our on-field tribute neglected to specifically name the Jewish community as the target of the Bondi shootings,’ Pridham said.
‘This was not intentional, we apologise for this omission. It was a Sydney Swans initiative, and a Swans-led event, and we take full responsibility.
‘The tribute was a genuine attempt to show compassion to everyone impacted by the terrible events on 14 December – and most of all the Jewish community.
‘The overwhelming majority of those who watched the tribute have expressed to me that they found it moving and appropriate.’
He added that while some people were disappointed by the wording, the club believed the message of support for the Jewish community was still clear to those at the ground.
