Outrage has erupted online after a disturbing moment in an Australian soccer match left fans demanding a lifetime ban for the player involved.
The incident happened during a semi-professional match in New South Wales as National Premier Leagues NSW kicked off its new season. NWS Spirit FC edged out Sutherland Sharks with a 1–0 win, but the result was quickly overshadowed by a shocking off-the-ball act.
In the 70th minute, Sutherland midfielder Jamie Percevski was targeted in what viewers described as a deliberate stamp. Video shows a Spirit player wearing No. 9 coming down on Percevski’s right Achilles, causing his foot to twist violently in the opposite direction as he collapsed to the turf.
According to the official match report, the referee stopped play and consulted with his assistant after the Spirit player was seen “appearing to step on the ankle of Jamie Percevski.” The player was immediately sent off, and Percevski was forced to leave the match just two minutes later.
Footage of the incident quickly spread across social media, sparking furious reactions from fans who labeled the act malicious and dangerous. Many are now calling on Football NSW to hand down a lengthy suspension — with some arguing the player should never be allowed to compete again.
WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW:
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
“The NPL is tough, but that crossed the line,” one fan wrote. “Players deserve better protection, and Football NSW needs to make a statement with a long suspension.”
Another added, “Whoever this is needs to be rubbed out of the game for a long, long time.”
Others went even further, describing the incident as outright assault and warning that the outcome could have been far worse.
“That’s just malicious when he thought no one could see,” one comment read. “If there’s no broken ankle or ligament damage, it’s a miracle.”
Percevski, who was born in Sydney and also holds Macedonian citizenship, has played for several lower-league clubs in Australia and Germany before returning to Sydney last year. He previously came through the youth system at Western Sydney Wanderers but never made a senior appearance.
Lifetime ban and trial for the assault with intent to do bodily harm!