Clubs on notice over safety at matches after QRL sends alarming letter on violence at games

A top rugby league body is investigating tougher disciplinary actions after a spate of alleged on and off-field violence including where a ref was hospitalised after an alleged kick to the throat.

Referee Brian Roper is taken off the field after the incident on April 1. Picture: contributed

Three weeks after a referee was allegedly kicked in the head during a men’s Rugby League Brisbane match, the governing body has taken public action sending letters to the league’s 14 clubs.

Rugby League Brisbane chairperson Sharon Hickey told clubs the league board had met and was investigating introducing tougher disciplinary actions after a spate of on- and off-field violence this season.

The letter was sent three days before this weekend’s round of matches, the first since the Easter break and the alleged April 1 attack on the referee at Brandon Park at Acacia Ridge.

Referee Brian Roper spent two nights in Logan Hospital after an on-field incident during a South’s Inala and Dayboro Cowboys game which resulted in him receiving cuts and bruising to his throat and jaw.

Mr Roper was helped off the field by trainers from Dayboro Cowboys who ran on and shepherded him into the dressing room minutes before the match was to end.

He and others at the match lodged complaints with the League and police.

Police said they were investigating but no charges had been laid.

The RLB letter told clubs they were responsible for ensuring safe playing environments for players, referees and spectators.

A copy of the Rugby League Brisbane letter warning clubs that safety at matches was their responsibility.

“Rugby League Brisbane is committed to taking on strong action including individual and broader disciplinary approaches and sanctions,” the letter said.

“Given the severity of these circumstances should they persist, actions will include requiring those clubs involved in future incidents to provide a show cause as to why the club should not be removed from the competition and a recommendation provided to the QRL to disaffiliate their club.

Rugby League Brisbane chairperson Sharon Hickey.

“Clubs are reminded that the onus is on them to ensure they discharge their responsibility to provide a safe environment for players, referees, spectators, administrators and volunteers …”

Rugby League Brisbane was contacted for comment over questions on how clubs were going to patrol safety measures at all grounds to ensure the safety of all.

Since the incident, Souths Inala Open Men’s Div 1 team has been forced to forfeit all games until investigations are completed.

The team currently has no home ground and has been playing at Brandon Park, where the alleged attack occurred.

Souths Inala Open Men’s Division 1 team was scheduled to play West Mitchelton at Brandon Park this weekend with the competition draw still online on the myleague app at playrugbyleague.com website.

Souths Inala Open Men’s Division 2 team will play at Slacks Creek with extra duty officials rostered on for the game on Saturday at 4pm.

It is still unknown whether Souths Inala will move some of the Open Men’s Division 1 players into their Open 2 team.