- Fight breaks out at soccer game in Katherine
- The match was suspended after the incident.
- This is not the first time that violence has marred football in the Northern Territory.
A football match in the Northern Territory has been canceled after a fight broke out between spectators and opposing players.
According to NT News, the match, played in Katherine, was supposedly a Round 4 encounter between Eastside and the Arnhem Crows, played last Sunday.
Footage of the incident has gone viral on social media and shows players throwing punches and charging at each other off the field of play, while supporters became involved in an attempt to break up the melee.
The game was called after the incident, with the Crows winning 7.7 (49) to 3.3 (21).
In a statement, the AFLNT confirmed they were aware of the altercation and that it took place during the Big Rivers Football League game.
Big fight breaks out between rival teams at Northern Territory football match
“AFLNT will follow due process in investigating the incident and will take all appropriate actions related to those involved as part of this process,” a spokeswoman said.
‘Thousands of participants in the Big Rivers region enjoy the AFL, the actions shown by a small number of people do not represent the wider community’s passion for the game.
“While we recognize that this incident must follow due process, we wish to reinforce that the AFLNT strongly condemns and has zero tolerance for any type of violent behavior in our game.
“No further comment will be made at this time.”
At the time of writing, no charges have been filed following the incident.
The Big Rivers Football League has seen similarly shocking scenes before, with the 2022 grand final plunged into chaos following the final siren with Katherine Camels and Ngukurr Bulldogs players, as well as referees, forced to flee the field.
Tensions reached a boiling point when the Camels won and spectators invaded the field. A spectator allegedly attacked two players with scissors.
After the game, the Bulldogs were fined $8,000 and several players were disciplined.
