Police forced to contain local rugby brawl on Gold Coast after fight erupts between players and fans

POLICE were forced to contain a brawl at the Gold Coast Rugby League grand finals after tensions boiled over between supporters and players.

POLICE were forced to contain a brawl at the Gold Coast Rugby League grand finals after tensions boiled over between supporters and players.

The Gold Coast Rugby League are investigating the altercation between fans and Runaway Bay Seagulls players that marred the association’s A Grade grand final today.

Tensions on field spilled over to the sideline in the second half of the grand final between Burleigh Bears and Runaway Bay at Pizzey Park in front of hundreds of families and fans.

At least five police plus security had to separate multiple Burleigh fans and members of the Runaway Bay bench who clashed following the sin binning of Seagulls half-back Falani Arkell.

Gold Coast Rugby League chairman Peter Daley, who was at the game, said the organisation would review video footage of the incident.

He said they they were taking very the incident seriously.

A brawl broke out at the Burleigh v Runaway Bay rugby finals on the Gold Coast. Photo: Scott Powick

“I am waiting on a few more reports to come in but it wasn’t good from what I’ve been told,” Daley said.

“We have got some video footage so we will look at that this week and go from there.

“I believe some fans behind the Runaway Bay bench were saying some things and there was an altercation with some players on the bench.

“I haven’t interviewed anyone yet but we will treat it very seriously. It’s not something we want to see. It was a great family day and just a small unfortunate incident.”

The fight is believed to have been between spectators and players. Photo: Scott Powick

Daley said he couldn’t detail any potential sanctions to players until he had more information.

“If a player has hit a spectator there must be a reason so we have got to get to the bottom of that before we look at any punishment.”

Runaway Bay coach Clint Toopi confirmed a verbal argument preceded a physical clash between the two parties.

Spectators watch the scene unfold. Photo: Scott Powick

“(The spectators) were just getting carried away and being disrespectful,” Toopi said.

“You can take some things but they were getting a bit over the top which may have caused it to go further.”

It is believed nobody was seriously hurt and that police are looking in to the fight.

A number of people are expected to be charged.

Burleigh won the A Grade decider 20-12.