‘Inappropriate comments’ lead to brawl between player and spectator

It has emerged “inappropriate comments” about a player’s daughter could have sparked the brawl at the Carisbrook and Harcourt grand final.

A brawl at regional football grand final was sparked by “inappropriate comments of a very personal and sensitive nature”, police believe.

The wild scenes took place in the Maryborough Castlemaine District Football Netball League grand final between Harcourt and Carisbrook at Princes Park.

Leader can reveal the player involved is Harley Hunter, who jumped from the ground into the crowd to get to the spectator.

It is alleged Hunter reacted to the spectator after comments were made about his sick child Isla.

Isla suffers from Batten disease, which is a genetic disorder of the nervous system.

It is a disease which can impact both adults and children but in most cases with children it often leads to an early death.

A video, obtained by Leader on Sunday, showed an incident between spectators and Hunter.

Two spectators can be seen exchanging punches near the fence as other people rush to split the pair up.

Hunter is then 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.

The incident soured the grand final, which Harcourt won by eight points, as the Lions won their first premiership in 15 years.

“Maryborough police are engaging with the local football club and have been speaking to a number of people following a brawl at Saturday’s football match in Maryborough,” a Victoria Police spokesperson said.

“At this time it appears to have been sparked by what appears (to be) inappropriate comments of a very personal and sensitive nature.

“Disruptive, aggressive or inappropriate behaviour at sporting events is of concern to police with matters to be investigated thoroughly.”

Police are urging any witnesses with information to come forward.

The club, along with the Hunter family family, have helped raise thousands of dollars, through the Fighting for Isla Facebook page, to help the family and Isla beat the disease.

MCDFNL general manager Shane Anwyl said the competition was also investigating the incident.

“The league is launching an investigation to determine what has happened, how it’s come about and if there is any background to that so we can take any necessary steps based on the information that is found,” Anwyl said.

“It will be up to them (an independent tribunal) to determine what’s an appropriate outcome (for punishment).”

The Carisbrook Football Club was contacted to provide comment as well as Harley Hunter.

All were unavailable at time of publication.