Sport
20 September, 2022
Senior football grand final marred by brawl
An act of crowd violence has marred the Maryborough Castlemaine District Football Netball League (MCDFNL) grand final, with spectators and footballers getting involved in a brawl labelled as appalling by the league. The fight broke out during the...
An act of crowd violence has marred the Maryborough Castlemaine District Football Netball League (MCDFNL) grand final, with spectators and footballers getting involved in a brawl labelled as appalling by the league.
The fight broke out during the third quarter of the senior football grand final between Harcourt and Carisbrook on Saturday afternoon at Princes Park, with spectators throwing punches at one another.
In video footage that has been circulating on social media, a Carisbrook player can be seen jumping the fence to throw punches briefly, before returning to the field.
The player then received a red card, and did not return to the game as a result.
The MCDFNL has since released a statement regarding Saturday’s incident.
“The MCDFNL is appalled by the actions of a small section of the crowd at the recent grand final,” the statement said.
“This behaviour does not align with the expectation and values of the league and an investigation will be undertaken to determine who was involved and appropriate action will be taken.
“The MCDFNL apologises to those who were witness to this event and will apply severe sanctions to this who are found to be involved in such behaviour.”
Local police are investigating the incident and a Victoria Police spokesperson said it appeared to be sparked by “inappropriate comments”.
“Maryborough police are engaging with the local football club and have been speaking to a number of people following a brawl at Saturday’s football match in Maryborough,” they said.
“At this time it appears to have been sparked by inappropriate comments of a very personal and sensitive nature.
“We urge anyone who hasn’t spoken with police to come forward. Disruptive, aggressive or inappropriate behaviour at sporting events is of concern to police with matters to be investigated thoroughly.”
The MCDFNL and police investigations are ongoing. Further details and comment will be provided by the league after the investigation has been commenced and all factors considered.
Anyone with information about the incident should contact the Maryborough Police Station on 5460-3300 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online www.crimestoppersvic.com.au