Junior league fight fall out: Logan Brothers under 13s stood down

The Logan Brothers under-13s rugby league team has been stood down from fixtures in the aftermath to Sunday’s fight which left a man in hospital and four facing court.

The Logan Brothers under 13 rugby league team has been stood down from fixtures in the aftermath to Sunday’s fight which left a man in hospital and another four facing court.

Queensland Rugby League managing director Rob Moore broke his silence this afternoon after Sunday’s vicious incident.

He said the decision by Logan Brothers to stand down its under 13s this weekend was “in the best interests of its members, while investigations are ongoing’’.

QRL managing director Robert Moore addressing media this afternoon.

But he said standing the kids down from playing on the weekend was “really really tough’’.

“You go back a number of years. Other sports have done it. I know Penrith have done it in the past and it might have happened at Ipswich where a child, a parent was suspended because of continued bad behaviour.

“It is a terrible thing to have to do but unfortunately some parents will only understand when the impact is only on their child.’’

He said the decision would be reviewed weekly.

“It is something that needed to be done for this weekend and will be viewed early next week.’’

RELATED LINKS

INJURIES HIGHLIGHTED IN COURT

ARRESTS MADE FOLLOWING FIGHT

OPINION - DON’T CONDEMN THE MAJORITY OF THOSE AT LOGAN BROTHERS

Logan Brothers officials late today issued a written statement in response to the incident and today’s decisions.

The statement stated the club “fully understands and accepts’’ the edict for this weekend to stand the team down from playing while investigations were onging.

“There are still issues to be investigated at league level in relation to the match and statements received by witnesses.

“It is our hope that the team is allowed back on the field quickly as none of the players were involved in what occurred,’’ the statement continued.

“What occurred on Sunday was the action of spectators associated with a player at Logan Brothers, they were not financial members of the club,’’ the statement said.

“The spectators are now being dealt with by the police and are suspended indefinitely from attending any rugby league matches while police charges are pending.

“It saddens us deeply that this incident has now caused drama for all at the club.

“It is our hope that we can move forward from this incident and continue to allow all our players to enjoy the game of rugby league.’’

The club officials urged “any future comments made by all spectators at games should be of a positive and supportive nature for the players on the field’’

“They want to hear encouragement, not arguments no matter the age’’.

Mr Moore confirmed it was within the QRL’s capacity to dish out life bans for bad behaviour.

“It is within our powers,’’ he said.

Mr Moore said while he did not know of a life ban example in the past, but he did know of a spectator being banned for 10 years and players being given life bans..

Mr Moore said it was “hugely disappointing’’ that the incident happened.

“Some people have asked me is that the worst thing I have ever seen. It does not matter if it was the worst. It is just something that does not sit with kids footy, or in any sport or any activity.

“It is something which is completely opposite to what we do as a sport.’’

In other develops:

+ Rugby League Brisbane appointed a three person disciplinary board to “thoroughly investigate and respond to all aspects of the incident’’.

“This includes investigating aspects of the incident that are not relevant to police matters but relevant to QRL Rules and the Code of Conduct,’’ Moore said.

+ Four men are suspended indefinately from attending rugby league matches while police charges are pending.

+ All reports indicate the incident was not related to any activity conducted on the field by the participating teams.’’

Wild footy brawl at the weekend - off the field.

He said the QRL was “appalled by the shocking scenes’’.

“It is just not good enough. And people need to be held to account which is why RLB, with ongoing support from the QRL, is devoting all of its available resources and many hours to the investigation in line with our rules and code of conduct.’’

Mr Moore was responding to Brisbane father Josh Jones, 35, suffering two broken eye sockets, a fractured cheek and a broken nose following a fight at an under 13 match on Sunday between Wynnum and Logan Brothers.

Today two men charged after allegedly being involved in a junior football assault which left a man hospitalised with severe facial injuries applied for bail, while two others are expected to make applications later today.

The Logan Brothers statement also encouraged “all parents to take up to opportunity to undertake the new “Play Well” program that was launched last month - Play Well Triple P program.

“The program provides parents with practical tips and strategies to help children enjoy their ongoing participation in rugby league.

“We also take this opportunity to remind our members, players, parents, and spectators that violence and abuse, on or off the field, is never the answer and will not be tolerated by Logan Brothers.

“Any future incidence by player, parents or spectators found to be in breach of the Code of Conduct, signed at registration, will see players suspended on behalf of the spectator,’’ the statement concluded.