Massive footy brawl explodes among players and fans

An all-in brawl erupted during a NSW rugby league match involving players and spectators, including one massive man who marched in from the sideline and started laying out his rivals.

The fight was so serious the referee suspended play six minutes early and an investigation has been launched, the Newcastle Herald reports.

Windale was leading 16-10 against Wallsend-Maryland in the A-grade Newcastle and Hunter Rugby League match on Saturday when the fracas erupted.

Referee Gavin West sent one Wallsend player from the field and was about to send off another player from each team when beer cans were thrown from the sidelines.

Mr West called off the match over concerns for player safety.

The two teams started shaking hands when the brawl ignited again, this time involving spectators who ran onto the ground.

While fights are not uncommon in the Newcastle-Hunter competition, the seriousness and scale of the brawl has sparked a probe.

Newcastle Rugby League CEO Matt Harris told the Newcastle Herald he would be involved in the inquiry.

"We're doing a full investigation and working with Newcastle and Hunter competition committee to determine what the outcome is," Mr Harris said.

Mr Harris also said the league was considering expelling both of the clubs for the rest of the season.

Windale president Scott McDonell said the brawl was a "normal footy fight" until the crowd began hurling beer cans at the players and refs on the field.

But Mr McDonell has quashed calls to ban alcohol sales at the club, saying the decision would be too costly.

Any players cited in the investigation are likely to face harsh penalties.

Source: Newcastle Herald
Author: Nicholas McCallum, Approving editor: Martin Zavan