Harry Sheezel’s outstanding debut has inadvertently sparked controversy around whether national flags are allowed inside AFL venues.

The North Melbourne young gun is Jewish and a photograph was taken of him with an Israel national flag in the background after he starred in Saturday’s win over West Coast at Marvel Stadium.

There were media reports on Wednesday that an AFL employee, replying to a fan’s query, said national flags were not allowed at games under the conditions of entry.

But the AFL released a statement, saying that is wrong and the league has no problem with national flags in the crowd during games.

“An AFL match day is a place for everyone, we want fans to celebrate their clubs and players, and if that includes displaying national flags that amplify any of their team’s player heritage then the AFL is fully supportive,” the league said.

“We should celebrate our players and the game any chance we get.

“For clarity, the AFL has no issue with the flag and signs supporting North Melbourne’s Harry Sheezel on the weekend.

“Correspondence sent to a patron that had an issue with the flag being displayed was an incorrect interpretation of our conditions of match day entry policy and we apologise for any confusion.”

The AFL added that the conditions of entry regulate flags, signs or banners that have commercial or political messages.

“The AFL is proud of our diverse and wide-ranging backgrounds, faiths, and origins of all our players and encourage fans to continue to celebrate it accordingly,” it added.

Sheezel was the third pick in last year’s national draft and he earned this week’s Rising Star nomination for his debut.

He has also signed a two-year contract with the Kangaroos.

Sheezel is the AFL’s first Jewish player to be drafted this century.