‘Ban this thug for life’ – Australian club NWS Spirit takes action after a former non league player’s disgusting ankle stamp.
Callum Kealy, who has spent much of his career in English football, was in footage that has been viewed over 3 million times.
He produced a sickening off-the-ball stamp in the opening-round NPL NSW clash between NWS Spirit and Sutherland Sharks.
Spirit forward Callum Kealy received a second yellow card by referee Hayden Langholz in the 69th minute after stamping on the ankle of Sharks defender Jamie Percevski, from behind.
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#npl #nplnsw pic.twitter.com/4TpZwbblCD
— goran (@GoranSlav) February 8, 2026
— g.\ndo 🩵🦈⭐⭐ (@finngando) February 8, 2026
Former footballer Robbie Slater described the act as ‘disgusting’ and ‘anti-football.’
‘I was disgusted, I’ve rarely seen anything worse – and I’ve seen some terrible things,’ Slater said.
‘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.’
Several called for him to be banned for the season, to be handed over to police and for the UK-born player to be deported for his actions.
Both Kealy and Percevski have locked down their social media platforms amidst the controversy.
Spirit FC Chairman Frank Marchi released a statement:
‘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.’
Sutherland Sharks statement:
Sutherland Sharks FC acknowledges the incident that occurred during Saturday night’s NPL NSW Round 1 match against NWS Spirit FC.
We recognise and support the statement released by NWS Spirit FC, as well as the immediate action they’ve taken while the matter is reviewed through the Football NSW judicial process.
Our thoughts are with Jamie Percevski. While the extent of his injury is yet to be determined, we sincerely hope it is not serious and wish him a full and speedy recovery.
The act in question does not align with the spirit of the game.
As this matter is now subject to an ongoing judicial process, Sutherland Sharks FC will be making no further comment at this time. We will fully cooperate with Football NSW as the investigation runs its course.
Football NSW said:
‘Football New South Wales is aware of the incident referenced from the weekend’s NPL NSW Men’s match,’ a spokesperson said.
‘All matters and incidents from the weekend will be subject to review and no further comment will be made while those reviews are ongoing.
‘Any outcomes will be communicated through the appropriate official channels in due course.’
Slater also said the standard one-match suspension for a second yellow card would be wholly inadequate.
‘Some people are calling for a 10-game ban, but I don’t think that’s enough,’ he said.
‘He should be gone for the rest of the season. He doesn’t deserve to be playing this season.’
Twitter users reacted after Australian club NWS Spirit takes action after a former non league player’s disgusting ankle stamp…
@g2mcc: That’s not a challenge, that’s assault.
@Bazza1983: I often think about finding an over 40s team and then I remember thugs like this exist.
@CoysConf: One of the most disgusting actions I have ever seen on a football pitch. #9 should never be able to step on the pitch ever again. Charges should be pressed against him. @footballnsw set a precedent and make an example out of him. No player should face this ever again.
@Ryzammk: One minute you’re on bunch of amateurs show about Dorking wanderers, the next minute you’re assaulting players in round 1 for your new club in the NSW NPL. Life comes at you fast huh
@HoppersGuide: Wow. This is no different to the Welsh player who elbowed an opposition player in the jaw. It’s a criminal offence and intended actual bodily harm
@tops881: Such a horrific challenge. Intentional and the hands up after tells me he’s deceitful. Long term ban needed. Stuff like this needs to be made an example of.
@HugoTurvey: callum kealy what are you doing man 🤦🏽♂️
@Gaydads: wow @callumkealy_ reminds me of one player in our league right now too, anyone guess who i mean!! This type of behaviour cannot go on, the leagues and the FA need to stamp this out!
@vanpersieheadr: This is why people cant be assed with Sunday league, imagine that broke his ankle and he has a job where he needs to be on his feet? Time off work on ssp or if hes self employed, no money coming in, because of some bellend
@CplayzF9778: A broken ankle would be a good result for him. Looks like he’s snapped his Achilles which is about as bad an injury you could ever have. Will never be the same or close to it
@FoxyN77: I won’t play Sunday league any more because of this type of thing. Most blokes want a good kick about but there’s always some that just want a fight, often still stinking of booze from night before.
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