Spectators and players clash in two ugly local footy brawls

A local footy club in Melbourne’s northwest must install CCTV cameras among a range of measures following an ugly off field brawl last weekend. Here’s what we know.

A local footy club in Melbourne’s northwest must install CCTV cameras at its home ground and employ security guards at home games for the rest of the season as a result of an ugly off field brawl last weekend.

Northern Saints have been instructed to take these steps by the Essendon District Football League after footage of the incident between players and spectators was shared widely online this week.

In a letter sent to the EDFL clubs, seen by this masthead, the competition’s board said it had met with Northern Saints officials this week.

“After discussions with the NSFC executive representatives, concerns were made that due to a number of issues that are outside the control of the club, both the EDFL board and the club have agreed that the mitigation of any risks at Charles Mutton Reserve, NSFC home ground, to match officials, players and spectators, that a number of steps will be undertaken to ensure the safety of all,” the letter said.

Steps set to be taken include Northern Saints providing two security guards at all home games for the remainder of the season while CCTV cameras will be installed, both initiatives at the club’s cost.

“NSFC to advise the EDFL of the camera’s locations and the workings of the cameras,” the letter said.

“Any vision that is deemed to be used by the EDFL to identify and take appropriate action against individuals under the league’s by-laws, rules, and regulations to be made available to the league.”

Northern Saints’ next two Division 2 senior home games have been moved away from Mutton Reserve. The round 3 fixture against Keilor Park has already been updated online to reflect the change. Keilor Park has picked up an extra home game.

The club will also provide two “appropriate” match day officials to all senior games, home and away, for the rest of the season.

“The EDFL board acknowledge that the club has been very proactive in ensuring the environment in and around their games is conducted within the acceptable behaviours of all affiliated clubs,” the letter said.

“However, it is also acknowledged that there is still work to be done in this area. Unfortunately, the EDFL and the club acknowledge that there are societal issues that are outside the club’s control and that the above steps will endeavour to mitigate these issues where possible.

“Working in collaboration with the club, the EDFL will seek, as soon as possible, a meeting with local and state stakeholders to work on strategies that allow the club and all who visit the reserve to participate our community sport with the EDFL feel safe and inclusive.

“These stakeholders include but not limited to, Vic Police, Merri-Bek Council, State and Federal Members where possible.“

EARLIER

A local football league in Melbourne’s northwest is investigating two incidents involving players and spectators on the weekend.

Footage has emerged of clashes in Division 2 of the Essendon District Football League (EDFL) on Saturday.

This masthead has obtained footage of an on-field incident between East Sunbury and Westmeadows on Saturday afternoon at Willowbrook Reserve.

The footage, which is about a minute long, shows push and shove between Thunder and Tigers players for about 15 seconds. Tensions then appear to ease as players separate before the camera pans to see another melee ensue.

A non-player, carrying what appears to be a first aid kit, can be seen among the scuffle before they are thrown to the ground.

The individual is then confronted by players before being separated. Another person in Mon-playing gear stands between those involved appearing to yellow at one of the Westmeadows players.

Umpires can then be seen discussing the incident, with one reaching into his pockets to where they are understood to have shown a card to someone on the bench.

Ex-AFL star Brendan Fevola is playing for East Sunbury this season, after signing a two-year deal with the club. It is not suggested he was involved in the scuffle.

This comes after footage emerged of a clash between players and supporters during the Northern Saints and Glenroy game on the same day.

The footage shows a large crowd walking along the fence of the playing surface at Charles Mutton Reserve before it pans to the right where one person in a Glenroy polo is being held back by another person.

A Northern Saints player can then be seen moving towards him before swinging at least two punches. Other people can then be seen moving to separate the pair.

A Victoria Police spokesperson confirmed it had been notified of “a fight” at the Fawkner venue around 2.40pm.

“Officers attempted to contact the complainant for further details but were unsuccessful. At this stage it appears no persons have come forward to report the matter,” the spokesperson said.

One player was seen throwing a punch.

On Tuesday afternoon, the EDFL released a statement addressing both incidents.

“Over the last weekend (Saturday April 12) there were two incidents that have been reported to the EDFL which are currently under investigation,” the statement said.

“These incidents were both on and off the playing surface and are extremely disappointing.

“The EDFL continues to detest anti-social behaviour and will remain steadfast in doing everything we can to stamp out anything that brings the game into disrepute.

“The safety of players, officials, and spectators is vital when attending games in the EDFL and behaviour that was displayed across the weekend is completely unacceptable.

“There will be no further comment from the league until investigations are concluded.”

Glenroy prevailed in the game 14.17 (101) to 12.7 (79).

The incidents follow another in the Southern league where a Dingley player received a five-week suspension for striking an opposition supporter earlier this month.

Glenroy and Northern Saints were contacted for comment.