Australian netball star Sarah Klau cops punishment for assaulting a security guard

Australian netball star Sarah Klau has been fined $5000 and handed a suspended two-match suspension for kicking a security guard on a drunken night out in June. Klau pleaded guilty to common assault earlier this month and, while not convicted, has now been punished by Netball Australia following its own investigation.

Netball Australia and Commonwealth Games Australia were not aware of the incident before Klau headed to Scotland with the Diamonds for the Games in July, and they were not aware she was scheduled for a court appearance in Australia when she returned. Klau kicked the security guard at The Paddington Inn when she was denied entry because she was already intoxicated. Given the two match ban is suspended, Klau can still compete in the Constellation Cup against New Zealand next month. In fact, Klau is unlikely to miss any games unless there’s another breach of Netball Australia’s Code of Conduct within the next 12 months. “We expect our athletes to demonstrate safe, respectful and professional behaviour both on and off the court,” Netball Australia chief Mark Falvo said.

“Where conduct falls short of those standards, our Integrity Framework provides a clear and fair process for addressing it and determining an appropriate outcome. “On this occasion Sarah’s conduct represented a significant but momentary lapse in judgement, and one that has been mitigated by her otherwise excellent character and behavioural history. “We also acknowledge that Sarah has expressed genuine remorse for her actions and has recommitted to the high standards expected of our athletes.” Klau also issued a statement and apologised. “I am incredibly sorry for my actions and the impact they have had on everyone involved and the wider netball community,” she said. “I take full responsibility for my behaviour and accept the consequences that follow.

I am committed to learning from this and ensuring my actions reflect the standards expected of me and our sport. “I am grateful for the support I have received. I care deeply about netball and the values it represents.” NA’s Integrity Unit said Klau had breached the Code of Conduct by: - Failing to behave in a professional manner while in public so as not to compromise the reputation of Netball Australia, netball and/or the NSW Swifts – Engaging in conduct that did or could bring the game of netball, Netball Australian and/or the NSW Swifts into disrepute.

“Netball Australia established that the conduct of 7 June warrants formal disciplinary action noting the seriousness of the charge and the clear standards that are reasonably expected of an elite athlete representing Netball Australia and a Super Netball club,” NA said. “In determining the sanction, Netball Australia considered Sarah’s individual circumstances and her otherwise exemplary personal history. Sarah has also accepted full responsibility for her actions ... and its impact on the victim. She has also apologised to both the venue and victim.” Klau’s club, the NSW Swifts, said it would not take further action.

“Netball NSW and the NSW Swifts support and respect the outcome reached through the integrity process and remain committed to upholding its processes and decisions, ensuring a consistent and nationally aligned approach to integrity matters across our sport,” the NSW Swifts said.