‘Disgusting’ behaviour: Police investigate fight among spectators at Perth junior football game

by Admin
July 27, 2024

In short:

Police attended a brawl among spectators after a junior football match in Mount Lawley on Friday.

One man was taken to hospital with a potential head injury.

What’s next?

Inquiries into the incident are ongoing, with the WA Football Commission also investigating.

Police are investigating after a number of people were injured in a brawl involving spectators at a junior football game in Perth.

The incident happened after a match involving teenage female players from the Mount Lawley Inglewood and High Wycombe Junior Football Clubs.

WA Police said officers were called to Hamer Park in Mount Lawley at about 7:50pm on Friday evening after the fight broke out.

Witness Dan, who requested his surname be withheld, was at the oval preparing to watch his daughter play for Mount Lawley in the next game when the fight started.

He said the incident was sparked by a player being sent off by an umpire, describing it as “disgusting” behaviour.

Dan said he was punched in the back of the head after he became caught up in the brawl.(ABC News: Nicolas Perpitch)

“I got punched in the back of the head a couple of times … and I’ve got a chipped tooth, so I’m off to the dentist on Monday,” he said.

“You don’t expect to turn up to watch a game of under 15s football and it ends up in a melee or a brawl … in front of mums, dads, grand dads and nannas sitting on the sidelines quietly minding their business.

“What type of example to our kids does that send, that this is acceptable behaviour?”

It’s understood another man was taken to hospital with a potential head inquiry.

Football commission to investigate

In a statement, the Mount Lawley Inglewood Junior Football Club president Travis Styles says the club was “really disappointed”.

“The club is working with the players and spectators involved in the incident to prepare a report for the West Australian Football Commission [WAFC] and are confident that the WAFC will deal with the incident in the appropriate manner,” he said.

“The club will also assist police in their inquiries if required.

“Our attention turns to our players and spectators that were involved on the night and will provide them with the support needed to ensure they recover from this incident and return to the field for next week’s game.”

The Mount High Wycombe Football Club has been contacted for comment.

A WAFC spokesperson confirmed the organisation was investigating.

“Abusive and violent behaviour has no place in our game, and we are committed to ensuring that our football community upholds the highest standards of conduct and respect,” they said.

“The WAFC will work closely with the authorities and all parties involved to thoroughly investigate this incident and take appropriate action.

“We are committed to promoting a positive and supportive environment at all levels of football.”

Police inquiries into the incident are ongoing.