Wild brawl erupts among parents during Manningham United v Rowville Eagles junior soccer match

An under-11s soccer match has erupted after parents flooded the field in a violent brawl, leaving the young players to watch on in horror. Watch the wild scenes unfold.

A junior soccer match in Melbourne’s northeast has ended in chaos after parents swarmed the field midgame and started brawling.

Footage captured the moment an early-morning under-11s game in Templestowe turned sour when a punch-on broke out between two players after a missed goal at the weekend.

A referee rushes in to break up a tussle between two under 11 players. Picture: 3AW

The crowd gathered for the Manningham United Boys Junior Cup erupted in the stands as a referee rushed in to break up the fracas between the 10-year-olds.

But parents of the Manningham United and Rowville Eagles players couldn’t keep to their seats as the scuffle unfolded and rushed onto the field.

The punch-on between two young children quickly escalated as parents flooded the field. Picture: 3AW

Onlookers screamed in horror as one parent, who had tried pulling the boys apart, was grabbed around the neck and tackled to the ground by another man.

At least twelve other parents piled into the mess at Petty’s Reserve, pushing and shoving each other as a crowd of children watched in horror.

The height of the brawl. Picture: 3AW

A man walks away. Picture: 3AW

One of the young soccer players from Manningham United was seen covering his mouth in shock as his mates crouched by his side and watched the clash.

“It’s OK honey, Daddy’s fine,” a woman was heard shouting from the stands.

Meanwhile, men were hauled away from the brawl by fellow soccer dads.

Children watch on as parents brawl on the pitch. Picture: 3AW

A Rowville Eagles committee spokesperson said the club was “deeply disappointed by the behaviour displayed by individuals within the football community” at the event.

“Both clubs involved are working closely together to investigate the incident,” the spokesperson said.

“Our club is committed to taking any necessary steps to ensure such unacceptable scenes are not repeated. We remain dedicated to upholding the values of sportsmanship, community, and safety across all levels of our club.”

Manningham United Football Club president Nick Raptopoulos said the club was working to investigate the incident.

“Manningham United is aware of a serious incident that took place during a recent pre-season event at the Club,” he said.

“We condemn the behaviour and are taking the matter very seriously. The club is working with Rowville Eagles and Football Victoria to investigate the incident and will ensure appropriate action is taken.

“The safety and wellbeing of our children, families and wider community is our highest priority, and we remain committed to providing a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all.”

Parents had paid $499 for their sons to take part in the U11s junior cup. Source: 3AW

Parents had forked out $499 for their sons to take part in the pre-season competition on Sunday.

A caller told 3AW that the match had been called off due to the fight.

But official results posted to the club website say the Rowville Eagles won the match against Manningham United, three goals to nil.

The fight comes just weeks after parents at a children’s basketball game in Reservoir erupted in a brawl for the second time in a year.

The brawl prompted senior research officer with ACU’s institute of child protection studies Douglas Russell to call for greater prioritisation of children’s mental and physical safety at junior sports games.

“Respect and fairness start with the adults on the sidelines,” Mr Russell said.

“Children watch and learn from the way adults behave. When parents argue with referees, coaches, or other supporters, they send a message that anger wins over respect.

“Referees, regardless of age, deserve to be treated with fairness. Appropriate conduct means accepting decisions, speaking calmly, and showing good sporting behaviour.”

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Originally published as Wild brawl erupts among parents during Manningham United v Rowville Eagles junior soccer match