Young footballer punched in wild on-field fight in Berwick

A junior football league is probing whether an adult runner punched a teenage player in the face during a nasty clash against two rival clubs in Berwick.

AFL South East are investigating an incident involving two Berwick clubs.

A junior football league is probing whether an adult runner punched a teenage player during a nasty on-field brawl in Melbourne’s southeast.

The violence erupted at the end of an under 15s clash between Berwick Junior Football Club and Berwick Springs Titans Junior Football Club on Sunday.

It’s understood a Berwick Springs Titans player sustained a black eye after he was allegedly punched in the face by a Berwick runner at Arch Brown Reserve.

The feud kicked off on social media when Berwick players posted controversial comments on Berwick Springs Titans’ Instagram page on Saturday night.

An AFL South East spokesman said the incident was under investigation.

“AFL South East, on behalf of South East Juniors, is investigating an incident from an under 15 boys match on the weekend involving Berwick Junior Football Club and Berwick Springs Junior Football Club, whereby a melee involving representatives of both clubs has taken place at the end of the game,” he said.

“There is no place for violence and abuse in the game and the league takes any such incidents and allegations very seriously.”

The spokesman said the clubs were asked to provide full details to the league.

“AFL South East is gathering all information, with the clubs asked to provide details to the league by Tuesday, at which point the incident will be assessed and any action considered,” he said.

“AFL South East appreciates the cooperation from leaders of both clubs and their willingness to work together, with the league, to address the matter appropriately.”

When contacted by the Herald Sun, both clubs declined to comment further.