“Racism in all its forms is not acceptable and I acknowledge the seriousness of my actions.”
Delany places his fingers between his nose and mouth in the image, to imitate Adolf Hitler’s moustache. The Wanderers fans referenced by Delany do not make a similar moustache gesture with their hands.
This masthead understands Delany is meeting with the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies on Monday afternoon.
Delany was appointed chief executive of Foxtel Group in 2018 at a time when the future prospects of the legacy pay TV company appeared under threat. Under Delany, Foxtel has since launched a number of digital products, including streaming services Kayo and Binge and, more recently, streaming aggregator Hubbl.
It also comes as global News Corp chief executive Robert Thomson announced this month that Foxtel is for sale, after receiving initial third-party interest. Delany has been crucial in transforming Foxtel into a digital-first company, with the company now believing there would be value in a sale.
News Corp has taken a hardline stance on antisemitism in the past, led by the company’s chair Lachlan Murdoch, and particularly since the October 7 attack in Israel.
During an address to Australian News Corp staff in November, the media empire heir said “there is no room for equivocation” or fence-sitting on antisemitism.
Delany was appointed chief executive of Foxtel Group in 2018.Credit: Brook Mitchell
“From Brisbane to Broome, from Launceston to Lakemba, antisemitism does not belong in Australia. It is our duty to address and tackle it, as it is to address and tackle all forms of hatred.”
News Corp and the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies were approached for comment.
Fox Sports was the official broadcaster of the A-Leagues until 2021, when it moved to Network 10 and streaming service Paramount+. Former Socceroo Mark Bosnich was part of the on-air presenting team for Fox Sports. In 1996, he made a similar salute while playing for English Premier League club Aston Villa against Tottenham Hotspur, a team with a historically large Jewish following. He was fined £1000. Bosnich was approached for comment.
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Australian soccer has a long history of fans making similar salutes. In April, a Western Sydney fan caught making a Nazi salute at an A-League match was banned for two years from attending matches.
Another fan, 24-year-old Sydney United 58FC supporter Dominik Sieben denied making the salute during a court hearing this year, saying “it had nothing to do with Nazis” after he was captured holding his hand raised out in front of him, while wearing a Croatian jersey.
In some states, including Victoria and New South Wales it is a criminal offence to make the Nazi salute, however there are some exemptions. A similar law was passed by federal parliament this year.
Delany also apologised to any Foxtel staff who have been hurt or offended by his actions and told them he is available to answer any questions or concerns this week.
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