Watch: Rugby league fan tries to attack Melbourne Storm star Will Chambers
The NRL has threatened to strip Lottoland of finals hosting rights unless Manly address security concerns after a Sea Eagles fan lashed out at Melbourne’s Will Chambers.
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The NRL has threatened to strip Lottoland of finals hosting rights unless Manly address security concerns after a Sea Eagles fan allegedly lashed out at Melbourne’s Will Chambers.
The NRL integrity unit has launched an investigation after the ugly incident marred the Storm’s 36-6 win over the Sea Eagles at the northern beaches suburban venue on Saturday night.
The incident highlighted the shortcomings at the ground as a fan wearing a Manly jersey appeared to reach through the players’ tunnel to lash out at Chambers as the Storm centre left the field after being sin binned.
NRL CEO Todd Greenberg said that unless improvements were made to the venue in the next two weeks, the Sea Eagles would not be allowed to host a finals game at their spiritual home.
“The behaviour we saw from a fan last night was completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated in our game,” Greenberg said.
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“I have asked the integrity unit to work with Manly and NSW Police so we can ensure the individual is dealt with in an appropriate fashion that meets community expectations.
“We have advised Manly that changes to the Lottoland ground must be made in order for the venue to meet the standard required to host an NRL final.”
Usually the players’ race from the Lottoland field to the dressing sheds is covered by a perspex tunnel.
However, the fan poked his arm through a gap before being restrained by officials and police.
Since 2010, the NRL has forced Sydney clubs to move finals fixtures to larger stadiums to accommodate bigger crowds.
But the knock down of Allianz Stadium has prompted the NRL to relax the rules and week one finals will be able to be hosted at smaller suburban grounds provided they meet certain criteria.
The Brookvale venue has long been criticised for its outdated facilities and earlier in the year the club announced a $36 million upgrade plan which included a new grandstand and centre of excellence.
But the NRL has put immediate pressure on the Northern Beaches Council to make improvements.
Melbourne Storm boss Dave Donaghy said the fan should be banned for life.
The incident was witnessed by nearby fans and nearby security, who apprehended the fan. Police rushed to restrain the man.
“There is no place, under no circumstances, is any of that behaviour acceptable,” Donaghy said.
— William Chambers (@WJChambers4) August 31, 2019
“We need to be providing a safe work place for our players. Tonight was anything but. I don’t care how long that fan has been a fan of the game for or how passionate he is.
“What he did was unacceptable, he should be banned for life from any form of rugby league.”
Manly coach Des Hasler apologised for the fan’s actions.
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Concerned Storm officials employed extra security guards for their clash, such was their level of belief that an incident could unfold.
The Storm centre narrowly avoided being struck. Chambers was given a security escort from the ground on to the team’s bus.
Chambers will be asked by police whether he wants to press charges.
The “Battle of Brookie” had been promoted as a blockbuster clash between two rivals who have shared a history of confrontation and flare-ups.
The fact the Storm felt extra security was necessary is a blight on the game.
Saturday night’s incident is a disgraceful look for the code and another black eye for the antiquated Brookvale Oval — more recently known as Lottoland.
How a fan could have the ability to harm a player at the ground has left Storm officials fuming and Manly officials denouncing the behaviour.
“Thankfully no harm came to Will, nor should it,” Sea Eagles coach Hasler said.
“He didn’t make contact with Will.
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“Certainly it’s not needed in the sport. It’s not condoned. The police have arrested him.”
The incident also provoked other Manly fans to verbally threaten the Storm interchange bench, which was positioned just metres from the perimeter fencing of Brookvale Oval.
Security guards — both those employed by the NRL and the Storm — then positioned themselves between the bench and fence.
Originally published as Watch: Rugby league fan tries to attack Melbourne Storm star Will Chambers
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