Donvale Cricket Club spectator banned after argument with Old Carey players

A spectator linked to the Donvale Cricket Club has been banned for the rest of the season after a clash with players of an opposing club. But claims he produced a knife during the altercation have been dismissed.

The Eastern Cricket League conducted an official investigation following the Australia Day off-field clash in Bulleen.

The Eastern Cricket Association has cleared a spectator of an allegation he produced a knife during a clash with players.

But the association has ordered the man, who is attached to Donvale Cricket Club, to stay away from cricket for the rest of the season.

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The ECA investigated following an incident after stumps at the Old Carey and Donvale match in the Wright Shield on Australia Day, at Bulleen’s Carey Sporting Complex.

Association president Mike Slattery said the umpires mentioned they had been told a knife was involved.

“We believe that not to be the case,’’ Slattery said.

“There was an incident and he (the spectator) had apparently tried to argue with players.

“At the end of the day, what we believe happened was, he went back to his car and he was going to drive a couple of players and he moved a toolbox out of the car and tools spilt out, one of which we believe was a screwdriver.

“We’ve spoken to everybody involved. We’re satisfied that there was no knife.

“My feeling is that if threats had been made it was a police matter. But that wasn’t substantiated whatsoever. We have taken our own action against the spectator and the Donvale club about control of their spectators.’’

Donvale president Richard Ellis said the allegation the man had a knife was “completely absurd’’.

He said the club had been unable to establish who made the claim.

“No truth to it, no fact behind it,’’ Ellis said.

“It’s just absolute rubbish.’’

Slattery said he was told about the allegation on the Saturday night and asked the umpires for a written report.

He said the match officials “said a knife was produced, but they weren’t themselves able to substantiate it’’.

Slattery said he understood the dispute began before play when the spectator parked outside the designated parking area at Old Carey’s ground.

He said the ECA officials had “lengthy discussions’’ with Donvale and Old Carey and “came to what we believe is a satisfactory outcome’’.

“Both clubs have been made aware in no uncertain terms of their responsibility of the code of behaviour, what is required of them and what is required of the captains in those situations.

“For us it’s just not acceptable.’’

The man was banned from attending the second day of the match last Saturday and has been barred from attending all ECA fixtures for the rest of the season.

The ban must be “monitored and enforced by Donvale CC’’.

The club has also been placed on a $750 bond for “failing to fulfil the role of clubs as outlined in the (ECA) code of behaviour’’.

And while he was not involved, Donvale skipper Dasun Randika was himself banned for three matches — two of them suspended — for failing to “uphold the role of captain and the role of clubs as per the code of behaviour’’.

Dasun Randika was also penalised.

Ellis said he was disappointed Randika had been suspended.

“Completely unfair,’’ he said.

“He’s a great guy, he’s a gentle man. He’s probably half my height … he’s not a big man … he’s a gentle man who looks after a lot of people in his life.

“He looks after anyone who needs help. That’s the sort of character he is. But the way the rule works, the person at highest position at the club at the time (is ultimately responsible).’’

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