Katherine footy match called off after brawl breaks out between players

A senior men’s Katherine footy match was called off midway through the match after a major brawl broke out. Watch what happened.

A Katherine footy match had to be called off midway after a brawl broke out across the sideline with both spectators and players involved.

The match is understood to be the Round 4 encounter between Eastside and the Arnhem Crows on May 12.

Footage of the incident, caught by spectators, shows players throwing punches and charging at each other outside the field of play as supporters get involved to split up the melee.

The match was called off after the incident with scores remaining the same after three quarter time, with the Crows winning 7.7 (49) to 3.3 (21).

Brawl breaks out in Katherine footy match on May 12.

The AFLNT confirmed they were aware an incident had taken place during the Big Rivers Football League match.

“AFLNT will follow due process in investigating the incident and will take all relevant actions relating to those involved as part of this process,” a spokeswoman said.

“AFL is enjoyed by thousands of participants in the Big Rivers Region, the actions displayed by a small number of individuals do not represent the wider community’s passion for the game.

“While we acknowledge that this incident must follow due process, we wish to reinforce that AFLNT strongly condemns and has zero tolerance towards any type of violent behaviour in our game.

“No further comment will be made at this point in time.”

No charges have been laid relating to the incident.

It is not the first time a major brawl has broken out during a Big Rivers match in recent years.

The 2022 grand final between the Katherine Camels and the Ngukurr Bulldogs turned into chaos following the final siren with players and umpires forced to flee the ground.

Tensions boiled over after the Camels won the big dance with spectators charging the field, including one who allegedly charged at two players and an umpire with a pair of scissors.

The Bulldogs received an $8000 fine, alongside several player bans as a result of the incident.