Caught on camera: Hawthorn supporter assaulted by Melbourne fan in MCG match day incident
A disabled Hawthorn fan was allegedly taunted by a Melbourne supporter before being set upon and punched at the MCG over the weekend. WATCH THE VIDEO
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A disabled Hawthorn fan was allegedly taunted before being set upon and punched at the MCG on Saturday.
Police have launched an investigation following the incident, and the AFL has said it would assist the inquiry.
A 34-year-old Baxter man has been interviewed by police and is expected to be charged with assault-related offences.
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Victim Ben Ploegmakers, 31, told Seven News the man allegedly called him “a retard and a spastic”.
“I didn’t really appreciate that,” he said.
“It’s pretty scary … it’s just terrifying. He could have seriously hurt me.”
Mr Ploegmakers called for the Melbourne supporter’s membership to be cancelled.
“I admit that I shouldn’t have thrown the beer on him but he shouldn’t have called me a retard or a spastic,” he said.
Video footage emerged on today’s Sunday Footy Show on Channel 9 showing a Melbourne fan throw a punch at the Hawks supporter at the MCG before wrestling him to the ground.
The boys share their thoughts about a fighting incident from yesterday's match.#9AFLSFS pic.twitter.com/FaH3qYezVJ
— Sunday Footy Show (@SunFootyShow) May 5, 2019
At that point, other supporters came between the pair.
Victoria Police has confirmed it is investigating the ugly incident.
“A 34-year-old Baxter man has been interviewed over an assault, which occurred at the MCG yesterday afternoon following the Melbourne-Hawthorn game,” a Victoria Police spokeswoman said.
“The man is expected to be charged on summons with assault-related offences.”
A Hawthorn spokeswoman said: “As the incident is under police investigation, we won’t be making comment at this stage.”
A spokesman for Melbourne Football Club said: “The Melbourne Football Club is aware of an incident that occurred following the Melbourne vs Hawthorn match on Saturday afternoon at the MCG.
Police are set to charge a Melbourne supporter who bashed a disabled Hawthorn fan at the MCG. The victim has told 7NEWS he was targeted with a cruel insult before being set upon. @pauldowsley7 #7NEWS pic.twitter.com/nVaxVn0R0f
— 7NEWS Melbourne (@7NewsMelbourne) May 5, 2019
“The club is appalled by this behaviour and vehemently condemns violence of any kind.
“It is important to our club and the AFL community that all patrons feel safe. Violence has no place in the community let alone at a sporting event.
“The club is working with all relevant parties involved to gather further information, and to determine the appropriate action required.
“As the matter is currently being investigated by Victoria Police, the club isn’t in a position to make any further comment.”
An AFL spokeswoman said: “The AFL is aware that Victoria Police are investigating an incident that occurred following the match at the MCG on Saturday. The AFL will assist police with their investigation”.
Victoria Police spokeswoman Creina O’Grady confirmed a man had been interviewed over the incident.