Two suspended and clubs fined by Central Coast Division Rugby League over Erina Oval brawl
CENTRAL Coast Division Rugby League has suspended two people for at least two years and fined the clubs involved after a brawl at Erina Oval.
Central Coast
Don't miss out on the headlines from Central Coast. Followed categories will be added to My News.
CENTRAL Coast Division Rugby League has suspended two spectators for at least two years over an ugly brawl at Erina Oval three weeks ago.
The League has refused to release the name of the pair while investigations continue into the fight which occured off field during one the final between Erina and Berkeley Vale.
The game was close to being abandoned, until ground officials intervened.
The two people are banned from all aspects of the game - including attending matches and will miss this weekend’s grand final.
The governing body has also fined the clubs involved in the ugly incident, as well as placing them on a good behaviour bond.
“The instigator of the off field incident has been suspended from all facets of rugby league for a term of three years and an individual who responded to his jibes has also been suspended for two years,” CCDRL president Fred Hartup said in a written statement to the Express Advocate on Monday.
It wasn’t the start to finals football CCDRL would have been hoping for, when the top-grade elimination final between Erina and Berkeley Vale came to a standstill as a fight broke out on the sidelines.
CCDRL insist investigations are ongoing, with the findings to be released to the public once the matter is finalised.
“You can rest assured that these matters are being treated very seriously and once the overall investigation has been completed the findings will become a matter of public record.”
An Erina official confirmed the club had been cleared of any involvement in the incident when contacted.
“Erina RLFC were cleared of any wrongdoing in relation to the incident at Erina Oval,” the club said in a statement.
“No player or official from the Erina club received a ban of any length.
“The venue, Erina Oval, was hired by the CCDRL from Central Coast Council on the day to host the semi-final.
“Erina RLFC did not host the semi-final and did not have any involvement in the game day operations on the day.”
The Express Advocate contacted Berkeley Vale on Monday, with the club unable to comment on the incident.
“We are unable to comment on the matter at the while the investigation is continuing,” president Ken Smith said.
Reports have emerged that Kincumber RLFC could be involved; however club president Dennis Wagner says he is unaware of any connection to the suspensions handed down by CCDRL.
Getaway driver in Westfield stabbing sentenced
A woman whisked her friend away from the scene of a furious, unprovoked stabbing and helped dispose of the “blood stained knife” before stealing a set of number plates to “avoid detection”.
Popular hotel fights salmonella claims after patrons fall ill
A well-known Central Coast hotel has denied preparing food laced with salmonella during a conference which prosecutors claim caused several people to fall ill.