Fever star Verity Charles allegedly spat at by rival Super Netball fan
West Coast have slammed four Queensland Firebirds supporters who spat at and verbally abused star netballer Verity Charles while she was walking down the street.
The 29-year-old said she was grabbing dinner in South Brisbane after the Fever's win over the Swifts on Saturday night when she was approached by the group of women dressed in Firebirds jerseys.
One allegedly spat on the ground towards Charles before calling her "disgusting".
Verity Charles, 29, said she was grabbing dinner after the West Coast's win against the Swifts on Saturday night, before she was approached by four women while on Grey Street in South Brisbane. Credit:Getty
Speaking on Facebook Live on Sunday night, Charles said she had received "some amazing messages and support" since the incident.
"It is something we don't want to happen or see to any athlete, I really do appreciate it," said Charles said, adding that the Firebirds had reached out after learning of the incident.
"They have been so lovely and supportive through all this," she said. "My phone hasn't stopped from them."
Earlier on Sunday the Fever released a statement condemning the "negative behaviour".
"The incident that took place between one of our players and four members of the general public on Saturday night is very disappointing," the statement read. "West Coast Fever continues to provide all the support that our players need to continue to live in the Queensland hub safely.
"The club would like to thank the Queensland Firebirds who reached out to offer their support."
After the incident, former West Coast coach and netball commentator Sue Gaudion said she had received a phone call from Charles, who was unsure how to deal with the matter.
"Given it is COVID-19, irrespective, that is just not on," Gaudion said on the same Facebook Live chat. "That could be just terrible for this entire competition if something comes of that. Verity Charles was a very disturbed person last night. She didn't know how to deal with it."
Gaudion said Charles believed the women were in their 40s.
"If you are a Firebirds fan, ask the club to do something about it," she said. "And if you were one of those ladies, pull your frickin head in."
The Firebirds said they would release a statement on Sunday.
Netball Australia said it was aware of the incident but would not comment because the incident occurred in a public place.