Why photo of an ordinary footy field in Australia has sparked outrage

Photos of rubbish left on a football field after a game have sparked a heated debate on social media.

The photos show plastic bottles, coffee cups, and drink cans on the field at Pioneer Park in Malabar, located in Sydney‘s eastern suburbs.

‘I’m down at Pioneer Park where you guys were given a great sporting ground to train on and play on,’ concerned local Glen Mezei said on social media.

‘Show a little respect and educate your kids and each other, leaving sh*t around the park is disgusting and dangerous to our pets and wildlife.

‘Maybe Randwick City Council should monitor and ban or fine clubs or schools that leave trash behind. It’s not that hard to care.’

Mr Mezei decided to pick up the rubbish himself and took it to an empty bin at the park.

Many Aussies were not impressed with the litterbugs.

‘This happens every winter when sport’s being played on the field,’ one person who commented on Mr Mezei’s post said.

Another said: ‘Last year there weren’t any bins around, and this year there is possibly one, but if it’s not close, they won’t walk to throw the rubbish out.’

A third commenter wrote: ‘Sadly, my dog ate there before I got to him, and he vomited twice — aluminium pieces.’

‘If you see someone littering, call them out on it,’ a fourth said.

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Another called for the Randwick City Council to run a waste and recycling campaign at the park.

‘It’s not a good look but it’s an opportunity as well.’

Randwick City council said dumping rubbish in public places is illegal and offenders may incur on-the-spot fines ranging from $750 up to $7,500 for individuals. 

Businesses can be fined up to $15,000. 

‘Not only is dumping aesthetically unpleasing, it often attracts more dumping as the pile of rubbish grows and then becomes a hazard as it blocks visibility and footpaths and attracts pests,’ the council said.