A former Brighton youth prospect has been slammed for a challenge that ‘would get you arrested’ away from the pitch after a video of the sickening moment went viral
A former non-league footballer has been slammed for his “cowardly” challenge that “you’d get arrested” for if it happened away from the football pitch.
Callum Kealy was a non-league journeyman on these shores – turning out for Dorking, Worthing and Eastbourne among others after graduating from Brighton’s academy. However, he moved to Australia, where he holds a joint-citizenship, last month to turn out for NWS side Spirit FC.
In the viral video, Kealy is jostling with Sutherland Sharks defender Jamie Percevski – with the ball not even close – when he decides to stamp down on the back of his ankle. Kealy, who had already been booked earlier in the match, was shown a second yellow card by referee Hayden Langholz.
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Sharing the video on X, formerly known as Twitter, one user said: “A horror challenge on Sutherlands Jamie Percevski last night was ugly.
“Rash, Reckless and uncalled for, the NPL is tough, but that crossed the line. Players deserve better protection and @footballnsw need to make a stance with a long suspension for the player guilty…”
While Australian football icon Robbie Slater deemed the tackle, with the ball not in sight, as an assault.
He said: “I was disgusted, I’ve rarely seen anything worse – and I’ve seen some terrible things. 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.”
Spirit FC Chairman Frank Marchi 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 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.”