Former AFL and NRL-listed player arrested, released without charge over alleged 'unprovoked' assault

A former AFL and NRL-listed player has been arrested over an alleged "unprovoked" assault at a local Australian Rules football match in Melbourne's south-east on Saturday afternoon.

He was subsequently released without charge pending further enquiries.

Shem Tatupu, 27, was arrested after the alleged assault during a match between Elsternwick and Hawthorn amateur football clubs at Waverley Oval in Malvern East about 2.30pm.

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9News understands he was watching his friends play for Elsternwick, who were defeated by the opposition.

As Hawthorn players walked off the field, it's alleged one of their star players, Justin Raiti, was coward punched by Tatupu.

Raiti's father told 9News he witnessed the alleged assault and had to hold the 27-year-old back with the assistance of other spectators to perform a citizen's arrest as they waited for police.

Raiti was assessed by paramedics on the scene and was cleared to be taken home.

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"We are extremely disappointed that following yesterday's semi final against Elsternwick Amateur Football Club there was an unprovoked incident between one of our players and a spectator," Hawthorn Amateur Football Club said in a Facebook post.

"As a club, we do not condone violence of any kind.

"Thankfully our player is expected to make a full recovery and is being fully supported by the club and our community."

Police attended the scene and arrested Tatupu.

He was interviewed for the alleged assault and was released pending further enquiries.