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Port Adelaide mascot ‘Thunda’ punched in face prior to fiery Showdown

It was one of the most fiery Showdowns in some time and the biff didn’t take place just between the Power and Crows players with even Port’s mascot in the wars.

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The Port Adelaide Football Club’s mascot was left with a bloodied nose prior to to what was an ill-tempered Showdown between the Power and Adelaide on Saturday.

“Thunda” was punched in the face by a minor, authorities have said, before the first bounce on Saturday night.

The Power have confirmed that Thunda was the subject of an attack as they took photos with fans on the boundary of the western stand at Adelaide Oval.

The person inside the Thunda costume was left with a blood nose and was treated by medical staff at Adelaide Oval.

They returned to the ground after treatment and were also cleared of any potential concussion.

Port Adelaide's 'Thunda' mascot at Adelaide Oval in the Power’s Round 3 loss to Melbourne.
Port Adelaide's 'Thunda' mascot at Adelaide Oval in the Power’s Round 3 loss to Melbourne.

Port Adelaide assistant Tyson Goldsack said mascots should not be subject to violence.

“I heard it briefly, I’m not sure what exactly happened but you certainly don’t want to be attacking mascots that’s for sure,” he said.

In a post on a Port Adelaide fan group Facebook group, it was claimed that a Crows supporter — who looked around 10 to 13-years-old was behind the attack.

Adelaide Oval Stadium Management Authority confirmed that there was an incident involving a minor on Saturday but as it involved a minor it would not be commenting further.

Originally published as Port Adelaide mascot ‘Thunda’ punched in face prior to fiery Showdown

Original URL: https://www.ntnews.com.au/sport/afl/teams/port-adelaide/port-adelaide-mascot-thunda-punched-in-face-prior-to-fiery-showdown/news-story/af88309946d6b6167c2bb3a9e58d3cce