Footballer Angus Chance is facing financial stress following a “one-punch attack” after he defended players racially abused by his teammate.
Chance, 20-years-old at the time of the incident, was playing for Dulwich Hill FC when teammate Nathan Bowden-Haase said: “F***ing Japanese c***s” about three Japanese footballers. He called out his teammate over the racial abuse, resulting in the assault that broke his jaw and dislodged his teeth. He also experienced a loss of sensation and suffered psychological impacts.
Chance, now 23, said he has spent nearly $90,000 on medical bills following the assault, claiming that he did not receive any financial support from the Football New South Wales (Football NSW). Both parties remain in a legal battle over the incident, reports Fox Sports.
According to Fox Sports, Football NSW allegedly informed Chance's father that its insurance policies do not cover incidents involving criminal acts. Chance also claimed that the organisation's lawyers instructed the club and its players not to contact him for four weeks after the incident.
Football NSW said in a statement: “First, Football NSW and the NSW football community deplore any form of discrimination, racism, or violence against any individual or group. Football has, for generations, helped assimilate new Australians into our country. This is a responsibility that football and all our stakeholders are proud of, and equally proud to continue leading.
“We do not tolerate any act of racism within our community. Further, Football NSW has over many years actively delivered numerous programmes that intend to welcome new Australians, celebrate multiculturalism, and encourage belonging in football for all.”
The organisation concluded: “Given the matter involving Angus Chance is currently before the courts, Football NSW is not able to provide any more information than that contained in its statement of 28 September 2020. However, Football NSW can confirm that it continues to meet with the Chance family and their representative with the sole intention of supporting the well-being of Angus and his family.”
