Man, 21, charged with affray after rugby league brawl between Lalor Park Kookas, Berala Bears in Chester Hill

A 21-year-old has been charged after a brawl broke out between rival rugby league teams Lalor Park Kookas and Berala Bears in Chester Hill over the weekend. Here’s the latest

A 21-year-old Merrylands man has been charged after shocking footage emerged of a brawl that spilt into a carpark at an A Grade rugby league game in Sydney’s southwest over the weekend.

The fight involving fans and players of the Lalor Park Kookas and Berala Bears erupted about 30 minutes after their open-aged match at Terry Lamb Complex on Waldron Rd at Chester Hill at around 3pm on Sunday.

A screenshot from a video of the incident.

The brawl lasted about one minute and involved a crowd of more than a dozen men wearing team jerseys who dispersed by the time Bankstown Police Area Command officers arrived.

NSW Police stated that a 21-year-old man in Merrylands was arrested following inquiries and taken to Merrylands Police Station.

He has been charged with affray and behaving in an offensive manner in/near public place/school.

The man was granted conditional bail to face Bankstown Local Court on July 13.

Detective Superintendent Adam Johnson said earlier on Monday the man was in custody and being questioned. He said police expected to make more arrests.

Speaking generally about the brawl, he said: “It’s outrageous, totally unacceptable. It’s clear people don’t have their emotions in check and have issues with their anger.”

Det Supt Johnson said there was no history of violence between the teams and the brawl seemed to be an isolated incident.

He said police reached out to both clubs and hoped they would help with investigations and identify those alleged to be involved.

The brawl was caught on tape.

“I also ask if any members of the community are aware of the identity of any of the people involved to please call Crime Stoppers (on 1800 333 000) or Bankstown Police Station,” Det Supt Johnson said.

Lalor Park secretary Sonia Smart said she was “horrified” and the incident was under investigation.

“Our concern at this time is with our players and their safety. This should not happen,” she said.

Berala Bears President Omar Sankari was at the venue and said it was fortunate “no-one was badly hurt”.

The brawl, as captured on video.

“People are going to get cited by the Parramatta junior league,” he said.

Police have also spoken with an individual believed to have been targeted in the brawl.

Det Supt Johnson said the male’s father advised he did not suffer serious injuries and he was assisting with inquiries.

Lalor Park won the game against the Berala Bears in the Central Wests Open Mens silver competition 28-24.

NSW Rugby League (NSWRL) released a statement on Sunday night and said the incident would be reviewed on Monday “in conjunction with Canterbury-Bankstown District Junior Rugby League and Parramatta Junior Rugby League”.

“The review will take into account any video footage as well as reports from the ground manager, referees and any eyewitnesses,” the statement read.

NSWRL said it had a zero-tolerance approach towards violent or abusive conduct towards players, officials and spectators, but would make no further comment until the investigation was complete.