Macarthur Rams, Bonnyrigg White Eagles fined over player brawl at suburban football oval

Two Sydney football clubs have been fined over a brawl that broke out among players and club officials in front of spectators at a suburban soccer pitch.

A photo of the game between the Rams and Bonnyrigg

Two Sydney football clubs have been fined over a brawl that broke out among players and club officials in front of spectators at a suburban soccer pitch.

Macarthur Rams FC and Bonnyrigg White Eagles FC have each copped a $500 infringement over a melee involving players and two team officials from the Macarthur Rams on February 11.

The incident unfolded in front of spectators who turned out at Lynwood Park in Campbelltown to watch the men’s League One first grade match.

The game turned ugly when several players from both sides began engaging in the fight that broke out in the 94th minute of the game.

The Football NSW tribunal – which investigated the incident and issued the fines – found the brawl was instigated after Macarthur’s head coach Brett Hewit entered the field of play prior to the completion of the match.

A photo taken during the game, prior to the incident.

Mr Hewit told the Football NSW investigation he had entered the field primarily due to his concerns for the welfare of a Bonnyrigg player who had suffered an injury during the game.

As several Bonnyrigg players directed Mr Hewit to leave the field, words were exchanged between Bonnyrigg and Macarthur players – leading some to push and grab each other before other players rushed in to participate in the brawl.

Macarthur’s mens senior convener Brevis Ashton then entered the field which Football NSW’s tribunal found “significantly inflamed the melee”.

The tribunal’s decision stated Mr Ashton had also been seen leading his head in a “dangerous and provocative manner” towards one of the Bonnyrigg Players in a manner that “looked very much like an attempted headbutt”.

The brawl resulted in the referee having to blow the whistle to officially end the match before it had been completed. No criminal charges were laid.

Macarthur Rams told the tribunal Mr Hewit entered the field because he thought the game had been terminated by the referee after the Bonnyrigg player was injured.

Mr Ashton – in evidence to the tribunal – said he had entered the field after seeing two Bonnyrigg players “yelling” at Mr Hewit. Mr Ashton said he was concerned for Mr Hewit’s safety.

Mr Ashton’s evidence further claimed he had been “pushed, grabbed and punched” by Bonnyrigg players during the incident, resulting in him falling over and hitting his head on the field.

The incident occurred at Campbelltown’s Lynwood Park.

The tribunal found it was “highly unlikely” the melee would have taken place had Mr Hewit not entered the field.

The tribunal further found that up until the brawl, the match had been played “in very good spirits” and the relationship between the teams and clubs was “strong and positive”.

During the tribunal proceedings, both clubs each pleaded guilty to charges of participating in a melee.

Speaking after the decision, Bonnyrigg White Eagles director George Mandic said the club accepted the tribunal’s decision.

He said the club has not taken any further action with individual players – adding that: “You cannot stop a player from defending themselves” on the field.

Macarthur Rams chair Michael Giusti was contacted for further comment about the decision but did not respond at the time of publication.

Along with the fine, the tribunal recommended that Mr Ashton and Mr Hewit should be charged under the Football NSW Grievance and Disciplinary Regulations for participating in the melee.

FNSW was contacted for comment.