The AFL’s Sydney Swans have apologised for removing references to the Jewish community from their tribute to the Bondi terror attack victims.

The club was also referred to Australia’s anti-Semitism Royal Commission because of the pre-game speech for their season opener against Carlton on March 5.

Club CEO Matthew Pavlich led the tribute, but did not directly mention the Jewish community in his speech, with references allegedly removed after being included in previous versions.

A statement released by the Swans said there was no “directive or instruction” from the AFL to remove references to the Jewish community from the script.

“That script change was made within our club in a genuine effort to use inclusive language by referring to the ‘whole community’.

“Noting that the focus of the script was to recognise those people present on field on the night.

The Sydney Swans' tribute for the Bondi terror attack has been criticised for not mentioning the Jewish community. Photo / Getty Images

“This included members of the Jewish community, community heroes and first responders.”

The club also said they stand with the Jewish community and the tribute was a “heartfelt attempt to show compassion” to all impacted by the attacks, “most of all the Jewish community”.

“As we mentioned on Saturday night, in statements from both our chairman and CEO, we were made aware that our on-field tribute neglected to specifically name the Jewish community.

“We apologised for this omission and have taken full responsibility for it.”

Radio commentator and former Swans player Gerard Healey first noted the lack of references to the Jewish community in Pavlich’s speech, while Senator James Paterson asked the commission into anti-Semitism and social cohesion to investigate.

Paterson said it was “bizarre” there were no references to the Jewish community and it was “inexcusable” if they were taken out of the script.

Members of Ambulance NSW, Prince of Wales Hospital and Sydney Children’s Hospital Randwick were present at the tribute, alongside Surf Life Saving NSW, NSW Police and the State of Emergency Service.

Ahmed Al-Ahmed, who sustained five gunshot wounds after disarming one of the gunmen in the December attack, received a huge cheer as he walked out waving to the crowd.