A post-match melee turned violent when spectators stormed the field in Melbourne’s north
A post-match push-and-shove turned violent when spectators stormed the field and threw punches at a local under-19s match in Melbourne’s north.
Northern
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Supporters stormed the field and threw punches in a wild post-match brawl on Saturday.
The Northern Football Netball League is investigating the ugly incident following an under-19s match between Panton Hill and Bundoora at Cracknell Reserve.
A melee broke out after the final siren before spectators burst onto the field and escalated the violence.
At least three intruders became involved in the fight with one culprit throwing several punches, knocking a Panton Hill player to the ground before he was restrained.
Fellow players, umpires and officials then split the teams apart.
It is unclear whether the spectators are league-registered players.
The shocking incident happened in front of NFNL football operations manager Jeff Downes and league chairman Scott Walker.
The Northern league issues a short statement on Sunday.
“The NFNL is aware of an incident which took place at the conclusion of the Panton Hill and Bundoora under-19.5s match on Saturday morning,” the statement read.
“The league has initiated an investigation into the matter and will be providing no further comment at this moment in time.”
The incident momentarily halted Panton Hill’s celebrations as it claimed its first under-19s victory since reforming last year.
The Redbacks held on for a thrilling three-point win.
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Panton Hill president Jayson Burleigh said the club was preparing witness statements and co-operating with the league investigation.
He said the player hit by the intruder suffered no serious injuries.
Bundoora president Paul King said the club was taking the matter seriously.
“The league is investigating the matter and Bundoora FNC will be co-operating fully during the process,” he said.
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