Footy fan who filmed on-field brawl handed longer ban than player who threw punch

A man who captured a brawl on the footy field while filming his younger brothers in action has been slapped with a longer ban than the player who threw the punch.

A fan who filmed a brawl during a country football match is “livid” after he was handed a longer ban than a player who knocked his opponent unconscious.

Todd Barry, 27, was filming his younger brothers playing for Jervois Football Club in the River Murray Football League when a fight behind play broke out and a Jervois player was left unconscious.

Mr Barry instinctively filmed the scuffle but didn’t realise until after the game he had captured the sickening incident from start to finish.

The Meningie player who threw the devastating punch was given a three-match ban after an early guilty plea reduced the penalty from four matches, while Mr Barry received a four-match ban from attending RMFL games along with a $250 fine for sharing the footage.

The RMFL told Mr Barry the suspension and fine were handed down because sharing the video was a breach of its social media policy.

The king hit during Meningie v Jervois at the River Murray Football League.

Mr Barry, of Marion, said he has not been given the option to appeal his ban.

He said he was devastated that he would miss out on time with his younger brothers, Dylan, 24, who flies down from Alice Springs to play, and Zane, 22, who lives in Murray Bridge.

Mr Barry was filming Jervois games this year because it was the first time in a decade Dylan and Zane brothers had played in the same team.

Dylan and Zane Barry with their grandmother Viola Lambert (middle) at the RMFL game Todd filmed. Picture: Supplied

“I wanted to capture the memories,” he said. “I am absolutely devastated that I can’t watch my brothers play.

“I’m livid. I can’t watch my brothers play footy, which is the only reason I go to footy.”

“I only get to see my brother (Dylan) now when he flies down from the (Northern) Territory.”

Mr Barry said the RMFL had accused him of being “the biggest culprit” in the incident.

He said he was told The Advertiser that after the incident the RMFL had denied him a media pass, which he was in the process of applying for.

He said he had requested two meetings with the RMFL to discuss violence in country sport but had no response.

“When I started asking more questions they hung up on me,” Mr Barry said.

“I want the RMFL to come to the table with all of the clubs and I want there to be a direct conversation opened up about violence and thuggery on the field,” he said.

“I want them to focus on the real issue and not push it to the side.”

The SANFL declined to comment on the ban and said it was a RMFL matter.

The RMFL has been contacted for comment.