Report Form Submission

Association: Sydney Comets

Game Date: 1 August 2026

Game Venue: CSBA - PPRC

Game Time: 1:50:00 pm

Grade/Division: U12B5

Team A: Reddam Panthers

Team B: Inner City Rockets

Reported Person: John Mtanios

Team: Reddam Panthers

Role: Spectator

Charges: 4, 5, 6, 7, 10B, 11, 12

Incident Details: During the game, the officials reported to supervisors that the parent of #13 Reddam Panthers, John Mtanios, was deliberately filming them and verbally disputing their decisions. Later in the game, it is reported that John Mtanios had continued to record the junior officials to the point that on one of the junior officials came off the game crying and shaking. Subsequently, I approached John Mtanios and advised him that his conduct was inappropriate and I would like to view the videos that he recorded of the game to verify and give him the chance to prove himself. He refused, which is his right, however, due to the balance of facts I advised him that he is being asked to leave. He refused and tried to justify his conduct by stating this is a public space and he is allowed to film and will not leave. I repeated my request and he continued to refuse. Due to this, I advised him that I would engage the police if he continued to refused, as his conduct could be categorised as child abuse, and gave him 10 seconds to start moving. He started counting down, so I started to call the police. John Mtanios then told me to "get out of his way he's trying to watch the game". I repeated my request and advised him I would not be moving until he left. He then started filming me close to my face, exactly what he was accused of doing to the junior official. As he continued to refuse, I asked the additional referee supervisor to stop the game, when I advised John Mtanios that if he does not leave the game will be called a forfeit and the team he supports will lose. He was then ushered away by his older son whilst clenching his fist and biting his lip in my direction. He eventually left the venue. Once he left, I went to the official to checkup on their wellbeing. They were in the referee room surrounded by supervisors crying and shaking in fear. I debrief with the official and ensured he felt supported. After this, I walked outside to see John Mtanios, his wife Luma Sherif, and their older son speaking with supervisors. I walked over to advise John Mtanios that part of our rules states that he cannot be visible to the court and asked him to move further down the pathway, but respected his right that it was a public space outside and he does not have to move if he wishes. He eventually moved down whilst filming us. He remained there filming until his youngest son came outside after his game and then they left. One of the officials statement: "Can you tell the other ref that he's called 3 carries and we've started recording him? They said that all calls were wrong."

Officials: Jayden Y, Louis B, Luca T, Lachlan Willis