Under 14s girls coach who walked his team off the field after questioning gender of two opposing players is hit with HUGE ban

A youth football coach has been suspended for the rest of the season after forcing his under-14 girls team off the ground amid a gender row.

The AFLNT tribunal has found Southern Districts coach Mark Breed guilty of misconduct after he questioned the gender of two opponents during a match between his side and Nightcliff last Friday.

It is understood Breed shouted that two of the Nightcliff players were boys before telling his team to leave the field in the first quarter.

Breed stood before the Tribunal on Wednesday evening, where he was found guilty and suspended for the rest of the season.

In response to the verdict, Southern Districts published a statement on Facebook admitting it had been ‘an emotional week’ for everyone involved at the club.

“These are difficult times as we navigate new inclusive and gender-equitable education and raise awareness,” the message said.

‘The Crocs have always been mindful of developing the knowledge and skills to create a safe and respectful environment for all our members and the football community.

‘Our club will continue to maintain a happy and healthy family environment for our members, supporters and sponsors, both at home and away.

‘As always, we encourage our members to support our matches when our teams kick off on Friday evening, whilst our senior teams have the bye round.’

Nightcliff secured a 60-0 victory as a result of the Southern Districts forfeit and now sit second on the under-14s ladder.

Nightcliff president Mark Dodge said the club was disappointed in the episode.

“Both players are girls and regardless of who they are, this is under the age of 14 and this type of alleged behavior is not acceptable at junior level.”