Last week, we told the story of an 11-year-old boy from River Heights who was targeted by bullies in his soccer club — and how officials at Winnipeg South End United (WSEU) failed to confront the core issue: That antisemitism was at the root of the attack, even if the perpetrators were mistaken about the victim being Jewish.
WSEU Technical Director Haydn Sloane-Seale acknowledged what was seen in the video footage but admitted he never used the term “antisemitism” when addressing the parents or the group of five boys involved. Only the instigator — who filmed the incident — was suspended for one week. No disciplinary action was taken against the other boys, with Sloane-Seale relying instead on a stern talk.
Not all parents were satisfied with that response, particularly one who witnessed the entire scene and immediately reported it. In an email, Erika, a parent who recently moved to Winnipeg from a Spanish-speaking country, described seeing four boys stop another child and force him to say “Free Palestine” three times while one boy filmed the encounter and punched the victim in the stomach.
Jewish community and witnesses demand stronger action
Deeply disturbed, Erika raised the issue with Sloane-Seale, who assured her he was addressing it. However, she said his dismissive tone at a later practice led her to escalate the matter to WSEU President Dale Friesen — who responded that it was the first he’d heard of the incident, five days after it occurred.
Erika, who is Jewish, says the club’s handling of the situation failed to reflect its stated values. She was particularly concerned that Friesen’s follow-up message downplayed the issue, citing vague “extenuating circumstances” and general references to discipline.
Learning through the media that only one boy was suspended and the others received warnings left her furious. “What’s the deal with suspending a kid just one game? Is he learning anything from that?” she said. “It’s a bad example for other kids.”
Parents like Erika aren’t the only ones raising alarms. The president of the Jewish Federation of Winnipeg contacted the family and spoke with Manitoba Soccer Association Executive Director Hector Vergara, who confirmed the matter would be directed to Winnipeg Youth Soccer Association’s head, Scott Dixon.
The victim’s father also raised concerns that the parents of one of the boys involved weren’t contacted directly by WSEU. He said the incident came up at a hockey event, where another parent pointed out that similar behaviour at the rink would likely result in immediate suspensions pending a formal investigation.
WSEU faces backlash over light discipline, lack of transparency
After a follow-up conversation with Sloane-Seale, the victim’s father sent an email expressing concern that WSEU’s actions sent the message that racism, bullying, and violence are tolerated. He has not received a reply.
Emails to Friesen and the WYSU from the Winnipeg Sun went unanswered before publication.
As the situation continues, Erika says she’s considering removing her child from the club altogether. “I’m looking into other clubs because I think I’m going to pull out my kid.”
With no further communication or accountability yet offered by the club, many parents are left wondering what lesson young players are learning from this — and what WSEU intends to do next.
— Marty Gold is a Winnipeg journalist and a guest writer for the Winnipeg Sun. You can find more of his work at The Great Canadian Talk Show
The article was originally published by the Winnipeg Sun.
The parents of the boy who was punched in the stomach should press charges against the perpetrator