Parents clash at under-9s league match in Townsville

Parents have clashed on the field of an under-9s league match in Townsville. See the footage.

Dozens of parents have been involved in ugly scenes at a Townsville under-9s league game.

A concerned parent of one of the players, who does not wish to be identified to protect the identity of their child, said the behaviour was “just not on”.

At 7pm on Friday Souths RLFC and Brothers Townsville RLFC kicked off in an under-9s, mixed boys and girls match.

The game was held at Townsville and District Junior Rugby League grounds in Kirwan, however the match was suspended after about 30 fathers entered the field of play. The concerned parent said he saw a parent on the ground being kicked and punched.

“You had several scuffles. Kids don’t need to witness violence.”

“I’m really angry at the parents.”

The fight between parents meant the children’s game was suspended.

The incident was sparked by a father going onto the field to stop two players from fighting and pushing a child to the ground, both of which “he shouldn’t have done”, the concerned parent said.

The referee was about 12 or 13 years old, the parent said, and had done their best in a difficult situation. The parent also wanted better security at the games.

In footage of the fight, a child can be heard crying and a woman says “that’s why we don’t fight mate”, as at least nine men are entangled in a melee just metres away.

A screenshot of a video of parents fighting at an under-9s league match in Townsville on Friday.

A police spokeswoman confirmed no incidents were reported.

Rugby League Townsville and District chairman Roger Whyte said that sort of behaviour was not tolerated.

The organisation was doing a “vigorous” investigation, taking statements and reviewing footage, he said.

Parents could “100 per cent” be banned from attending after an incident like that, Mr Whyte said.

“We don’t tolerate bad behaviour.”

The 13-year-old referee was being supported, Mr Whyte said.

Brothers Townsville RLFC president Jeff Doyle said the matter was with Rugby League Townsville and District and he had not seen footage so could not comment.

“Until I understand the full outcome of it or what’s taken place I wouldn’t be able to make much comment,” Mr Doyle said.

A Souths RLFC spokeswoman said the club had no comment and all questions were to go through Rugby League Townsville and District.

Originally published as Parents clash at under-9s league match in Townsville