Footy fans accused of MCG season-opener brawl avoid court appearance
The three baby-faced friends accused of being involved in a wild brawl at the AFL’s season-opener have attended court — but the trio managed to dodge their first appearance before a magistrate today.
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Three young footy fans allegedly embroiled in a violent brawl at this year’s AFL season-opener at the MCG have avoided their first appearance in court.
Brothers Daniel and Patrick O’Connor, 19 and 21, and Samuel Bevan-Shannon, 20, are each charged with one count of affray over the alleged melee following Richmond’s win against Carlton on March 21.
Police charged the three friends after CCTV emerged of the clash in the stands between other footy-goers after the siren had sounded.
The footage allegedly shows Mr Bevan-Shannon, from Eltham, in a Richmond guernsey swinging punches at multiple patrons.
At one point, he is allegedly seen knocking one man to the ground with a swoop of his fist before jumping on him to deliver more blows.
The O’Connor brothers, from Greensborough, and Mr Bevan-Shannon were due to face Melbourne Magistrates’ Court today.
They avoided facing a magistrate, instead having their matters adjourned over the counter.
Charge sheets allege the trio “did commit an affray using unlawful violence”.
They are not charged with other violence-related offences such as reckless conduct endangering life or injury, as the alleged victims did not want to pursue police action.
The father of coward punch victim Patrick Cronin spoke out at the time after it was revealed Mr Bevan-Shannon knew his son.
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Matt Cronin said the young man played at Research Junior Football Club where he was president and on the committee.
He then went on to play at Lower Plenty Football Club with his son in 2017 and 2018.
“Sam knows all about Patrick, all about our story,” Mr Cronin said.
The three men will return to court in September, where a magistrate will hear all of the evidence, and watch the footage, before giving a sentencing indication. They will then decide how they wish to plead.
Walking from court, the trio did not comment about the allegations against them.