A viral video of a sickening off-the-ball stamp in lower grade football in NSW has left funs furious, calling for the ‘cowardly’ perpetrator to face heavy penalties.
The ugly moment unfolded during an opening-round NPL NSW clash between NWS Spirit and Sutherland Sharks.
Spirit forward Callum Kealy was sent off in the 69th minute for stamping on the ankle of Sharks defender Jamie Percevski.
Footage of the incident, posted to X, exploded overnight – racking up more than three million views and thousands of reactions as supporters vented their anger.
Kealy, who had already been booked earlier in the match, was shown a second yellow card by referee Hayden Langholz after appearing to strike Percevski from behind while the ball was nowhere near either player.
As Percevski crumpled to the turf, Kealy raised his hands in apparent protest – but replays quickly sparked outrage.
The sickening off-the-ball tackle that was captured on camera and attracted over 3 million views
Spirit centre forward Callum Kealy was sent from the field and has been stood down by the club
Socceroos legend Robbie Slater led the condemnation, branding the act ‘disgusting’ and ‘anti-football.’
‘I was disgusted, I’ve rarely seen anything worse – and I’ve seen some terrible things,’ Slater said.
‘The venom with which he did it, I’m surprised he hasn’t broken his ankle.
‘It’s assault. If you do that off the pitch, you’d get arrested. It just shows a lack of common decency and respect to your fellow player and human being.
‘I’m sorry, but that’s a cowardly act. It’s from behind, the guy can’t protect himself.
‘It could have ended his career.’
Online reaction was even more heated.
‘Ban this thug for life. It was intentional and premeditated,’ one user wrote.
Jamie Percevski, who was part of the youth squad at the Western Sydney Wanderers, was on the receiving end of the ugly tackle
Spirit FC released a statement confirming that Kealy had been stood down by the club
Another fumed: ‘He’s attempted to break someone’s ankle, I’d be giving the evidence to police.’
Others went further, calling for authorities to intervene beyond football’s disciplinary system, demanding the player be arrested and deported following the incident.
‘Reckless and uncalled for, the NPL is tough, but that crossed the line. Players deserve better protection,’ one posted.
Another called for a ‘permanent ban and police assault charges’.
‘This should absolutely be facing sanctions outside of the game,’ posted another.
‘What a coward. Disgusting. That is anti-football,’ fumed yet another.
Several called for him to be banned for the season, to be handed over to police and for the UK-born player to be deported for his actions.
Both Kealy and Percevski have locked down their social media platforms amidst the controversy.
Former Socceroo Robbie Slater is a high profile voice calling for heavy sanctions on Kealy
Spirit FC Chairman Frank Marchi released a statement and confirmed that Kealy had been stood down and would face further scrutiny.
‘Spirit FC is aware of an incident that occurred during Saturday’s match against Sutherland Sharks,’ the statement read.
‘The club has taken immediate action and 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.’
Football NSW has since launched an investigation into the matter.
‘Football New South Wales is aware of the incident referenced from the weekend’s NPL NSW Men’s match,’ a spokesperson said.
‘All matters and incidents from the weekend will be subject to review and no further comment will be made while those reviews are ongoing.
‘Any outcomes will be communicated through the appropriate official channels in due course.’
The controversy has placed Football NSW under intense pressure, with Slater insisting the standard one-match suspension for a second yellow card would be wholly inadequate.
‘Some people are calling for a 10-game ban, but I don’t think that’s enough,’ he said.
‘He should be gone for the rest of the season. He doesn’t deserve to be playing this season.’
The incident added a bitter edge to a fiery contest between the two clubs, particularly given Percevski played for Spirit last season before following former coach David Perkovic to Sutherland.
Despite being reduced to 10 men, Spirit went on to win the match 1–0.
