Runner allegedly assaulted at junior footy match in Heidelberg

AFL great Glenn Archer’s junior football incident has taken a further twist, after police charges were laid after an investigation.

POLICE have charged Glenn Archer over an incident at a junior football game at the weekend.

A Victoria Police spokesman confirmed a 44-year-old Warrandyte man had been charged with unlawful assault on a 47-year-old man from Montmorency.

It follows revelations this morning the footy legend, 44, had been involved in an incident at an under-15s match between Banyule and Park Orchards in Heidelberg, 14km north of Melbourne’s CBD, yesterday.

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The North Melbourne great admitted this morning to pushing a runner at the match, but says he did not punch anyone.

Glenn Archer, speaking with 7 News today, says it was “inappropriate and unacceptable” for him to jump the fence. Credit: 7 News

The footy grounds in Heidelberg. Picture: Sarah Matray

The clubhouse at the Heidelberg footy ovals. Picture: Sarah Matray

Archer says he regrets his “initial decision to enter the field of play” and acknowledged “it was wrong”. Picture: Sarah Matray

Archer admitted he jumped the fence after a fight broke out between players and an adult, believed to be the parent of a player on the opposing team, became involved.

Archer said it was “inappropriate and unacceptable” for him to jump the fence.

He alleged the runner later confronted him and got in his personal space.

He says he then pushed him off.

“Their runner is screaming at me, yelling, swearing I can’t remember exactly what he was saying,” he said.

“I walk close to the fence to let him know, because he hasn’t got the context of what happened (in the earlier incident).

Archer during the Roos’ Grand Final win over Sydney in 1996.

Archer during his decorated career with North Melbourne.

Archer is a North Melbourne board member.

“He stuck his finger in my face, didn’t hit me in the face, just really pointing the finger.

“He gets in my personal space, I push him off and then it’s just a screaming match.”

Archer says he then left the game to defuse the situation.

In a statement today, Archer admitted he should not have become involved.

“I would like to apologise unreservedly for my involvement in what transpired at a junior football match in Heidelberg on Sunday,” Archer said.

“Jumping the fence to defend a player was inappropriate and unacceptable.

“The incident that occurred several minutes later with the opposition team’s runner was also unfortunate.

“I would like to reinforce that under no circumstances should spectators or parents intervene in any on-field matters with players or officials, at any level.

“I regret my initial decision to enter the field of play and acknowledge it was wrong.

“I will fully co-operate with the Yarra Junior Football League if it investigates the matter further.”

Archer, a two-time premiership player, during the Roos’ 1999 flag win over Carlton.

Archer played 311 games for the Roos and was named ‘Shinboner of the Century’.

Archer said he could co-operate with any investigation.

The Yarra Junior Football League is yet to make a statement on the incident.

Spokesmen for both clubs would not comment when contacted by the Herald Sun.

Archer, who is a North Melbourne board member, said earlier he was unsure how the club would react to the incident.

In a statement, North Melbourne Football club officials said they would wait for the outcome of the investigation before determining any further action.