Man charged after allegedly assaulting police officer
Geelong Football Club has released a statement condemning an ugly assault at last night’s AFL clash against North Melbourne which sent two police officers to hospital. A man stands accused of launching an attack after being ejected from the stadium.
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A man has been charged after allegedly assaulting a police officer at last night’s AFL match between North Melbourne and Geelong.
The 45-year-old Corio man was in attendance at GMHBA Stadium last night when he was asked to leave the venue due to behavioural issues and intoxication.
The man then allegedly assaulted a security guard before attacking a female Senior Constable as he exited the venue.
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The man was sprayed with OC spray and arrested, while a second female Senior Constable was affected by the OC spray.
Both police officers have been taken to hospital, one with facial injuries.
The man has been charged with two counts of recklessly causing injury, resisting police, assaulting an emergency worker on duty, and behaving in a riotous manner.
He has been bailed to appear at Geelong Magistrates’ Court on December 9.
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Police Association secretary Wayne Gatt said he was not at all shocked by Saturday night’s confrontation.
Mr Gatt said the diminished respect for police was constantly evident, whether at the footy or in myriad other situations.
“Policing has never been more dangerous than it is at the moment,” he said.
“Barely a day goes by where the Police Association isn’t notified of circumstances where our members have been injured in the line of duty. The days of the blue uniform turning up and violence dissipating are long gone.”
Mr Gatt said the increasing threat had led the association to push for stronger penalties for those who injured police.
It was now important for those sanctions to be used, he said.
Kardinia Park Stadium Trust CEO Gerard Griffen said that violent behaviour is not tolerated at the stadium.
Geelong Football Club released a statement on Sunday afternoon, condemning the incident.
“The club is aware of an incident at last night’s game,” the statement reads.
“All people should be able to attend the football in a safe environment without incidents such as these occurring.
“We will work with various stakeholders to ascertain more details around the incident.”
“The Kardinia Park Stadium Trust is aware of an incident involving a police officer during last night’s AFL match at GMHBA Stadium,” he said.
“As we do with every match, we will work with the AFL, Geelong Football Club and other relevant parties to review the match operationally and decide next steps in regards to this particular incident.
“The Kardinia Park Stadium Trust does not condone poor behaviour of any type.”