A junior football player was allegedly struck by an opposition official during an U13 boys SANFL match between North Haven and Fitzroy at the weekend.
The SANFL has launched an investigation into the incident after the match at Sam Johnson Sportsground was abandoned on Sunday with the violent altercation involving club officials and players led to umpires showing two blue cards.
Sources close to The Advertiser who witnessed the event have alleged that in the third quarter a North Haven official ran to the opposite side of the oval and struck a Fitzroy player, with the boy collapsing in pain and the official receiving a blue card as a result.
It is alleged the violent act was in retaliation to a dangerous ‘dump’ tackle during the contest.
The incident sparked a response from both Fitzroy and North Haven officials, who engaged in a scuffle that resulted in a second blue card being shown, effectively ending the game.
According to the SANFL, a blue card can be issued by an umpire or official “who deems off-field behaviour to be unacceptable”.
Games can restart after one blue card but will be abandoned after two, with the score wiped.
“I was in shock, it was probably the worst thing I’ve seen on a footy field,” an onlooker told The Advertiser.
The SANFL has since launched an investigation into the incident.
“We are aware of an incident during the quarter of an U13s game between North Haven and Fitzroy which resulted in the umpire issuing two blue cards and abandoning the game,” a SANFL spokeswoman said.
“We have zero tolerance to behaviours that do not meet the standards we expect of players, officials, families and spectators,’’ the spokeswoman said.
“As such, SANFL staff will now undertake a full investigation of the incident including consideration of appropriate penalties and/or sanctions.’’
Unacceptable behaviour by players, spectators and club officials in local junior football has been an increasing issue in recent seasons.
At the end of last season, SANFL revealed the SANFL juniors competition “had received 73 poor coach ratings by umpires, and had seen 15 blue cards for abuse from varying coaches, spectators and other club officials”.
The number of red, yellow and blue cards shown to players and officials has only increased this season, with Adelaide’s junior footballers earning themselves three times as many red cards this year as last season.
Initial fines of $100 were introduced for individual breaches of initiatives that require coaches and other officials to be seated during games, while a new coach behaviour strategy could have coaches fined as a result of two poor ratings, and suspended two matches after a third poor rating.
SA Police also confirmed it was investigating Sunday’s incident.
“Police are aware of an incident which occured at the Sam Johnson Sportsground and the matter is being investigated,” a SAPOL spokesmansaid.
“Anyone with information is asked to contact crime stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at
www.crimestoppers.sa.com.au”.
Both the North Haven and Fitzroy football clubs declined comment.
