Country footy: MCDFNL grand final marred by off-field violence

A country footy grand final descended into chaos when a player jumped the fence and started throwing punches in a wild off-field brawl.

An ugly off-field brawl involving a player and spectator has marred a country footy grand final.

Footage of the incident at the Maryborough Castlemaine District Football League decider between Harcourt and Carisbrook on Saturday afternoon has emerged online.

In the video obtained by Leader, two spectators can be seen exchanging punches near the fence of Princes Park in Maryborough where the game was played.

Other people rush to split the pair up before a Carisbrook player is seen jumping the fence where he throws punches at a spectator.

The player eventually returns to the field of play as other spectators try to pull two groups apart.

Play is continuing in the background.

Among them is a young girl who can be seen running into the video trying to push a male away.

“The MCDFNL Is appalled by the actions of a small section of the crowd at the recent grand final,” the league said in a statement.

“This behaviour does not align with the expectation and values of the league and an investigation will be undertaken to determine who was involved and appropriate action will be taken.

“The MCDFNL apologises to those who were witness to this event and will apply severe (sic) sanctions to this who are found to be involved in such behaviour.”

Harcourt eventually prevailed in the decider 9.4 (58) to 7.8 (50).

Bryce Frost, Darby Semmens and Mark Noonan impressed for the Lions while Alex Code, Jed Rodda and Sam Kerr kicked two goals apiece.

Anthony Zelencich kicked four goals for Carisbrook.

The league said further details and comment will be provided after an investigation has been conducted.

Carisbrook were contacted for comment.