GSFL 2024: Directors to hold extraordinary meeting to decide fate of those involved in ugly spectator brawl

The Great Southern Football League will hold an extraordinary meeting on Tuesday night as it investigates a brawl that broke out on the stadium stands on Saturday night. The round three fixture between Albany and Royals, who share the Retravision Stadium facility, was marred by a physical fight at the end of the league match. The derby was a fiery encounter, with spot fires breaking out during the game, which the Sharks won by 12 points. However, the terrific contest was soured by a clash between the two clubs off-field, as spectators and officials became involved in a push and shove near the players’ race after the final siren, which escalated into a fight with punches thrown. The flaring parties were separated by players from both sides as they walked from the ground in an ugly finish to the night fixture. At least 10 people from the two groups exchanged more words in the minutes after the initial brawl. GSFL operations manager Ian Beeck confirmed that directors would meet on Tuesday night to discuss the incident. “We contacted the clubs and statements from those we have requested them from have been received,” Beeck said on Tuesday. “Those statements have been collated and sent to directors to look at and tonight they will meet to make a ruling. “The penalties could vary, from suspension or fines or bonds put over people or clubs.” Beeck said the incident, which played out in front of families and children, was unfortunate but denied crowd behaviour was a problem in the league. “It was one of the biggest crowds I’ve seen at a twilight game and unfortunate that some people have ruined it for the majority,” he said. “We are looking at this incident strongly and will be making appropriate action and penalties. “It has to be stamped out. “We will be reviewing things and making sure this doesn’t happen again, this kind of antisocial behaviour, and the clubs involved are taking it very seriously as well.” The GSFL is also investigating a separate incident after a man was arrested at Collingwood Park on Saturday. The man is understood to have behaved aggressively towards other patrons during the round three match between North Albany and Denmark-Walpole. Home club officials told the man to leave the venue and police were called after he refused. It is understood the man was arrested and evicted from the venue. Beeck said statements from those involved have been received and the league would be handing out a penalty.