Gold Coast community rallies behind victim of alleged gang bashing of junior rugby league player

The Gold Coast community has rallied around the victim of an alleged gang bashing, saying his suspension on the back of it is a disgrace while others have said it made them question putting their children into sport. FULL REACTION HERE.

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THE Gold Coast community has rallied around the victim of an alleged gang bashing who was suspended from playing junior rugby league for 16 weeks because of it.

Hundreds of people have reacted to the news Shannon Donaldson, 17, has been slapped with the hefty suspension by the Rugby League Gold Coast judiciary after being caught up in a brawl in a carpark on June 19.

Donaldson was saying goodbye to a friend from inside his car after playing in an Under-18s match at Nerang Junior Rugby League club against Mudgeeraba when he was allegedly set upon by a former schoolmate who attended the match as a spectator.

Three Mudgeeraba players ran to join the fight, dragging Donaldson from his car and sparking an all-in brawl as Nerang players, including Donaldson’s brother, rushed to his defence.

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Many have reacted to the decision, with most angry about the punishment or confused by it.

Kelly Stanton said on Facebook: “This is just disappointing, what a terrible thing for this boy to go through and his mother to witness. What a disgrace! Really makes you think about putting your kids in these sports if this is how they are treated for sticking up for themselves.”

Jordanna Tucker said: “So disappointing. I hope he okay. As if he didn’t have enough to deal with.

Coombabah SHS and Nerang player Shannon Donaldson was the victim of an alleged gang bashing. Picture: Richard Gosling

“The people making these kinds of calls are the ones bringing the game into disrepute.”

Zally Wade said he had seen first hand how reacting to aggressors could land people in trouble.

“My son was physically bullied at school for years, until one day he snapped and lashed out against the bullies,” he said.

“So only then they decided to suspend him and not the bullies. He is still upset about even after years of finishing school.”

Lizetta Giannaros Alepidis added: “What!!! He was bashed and is being suspended!!! This is unfair!!”