GSFL 2024: Two people hit with official warnings, Royals & Albany given suspended fines after off-field brawl

Two people involved in Saturday night’s ugly post-match brawl between spectators have been sanctioned by the Great Southern Football League. The GSFL handed down its verdict on Tuesday night after investigating the violent end to the round-three clash between Royals and Albany at Retravision Stadium on Saturday night. Both clubs have been handed suspended fines of $2000 until the end of 2025, and two people involved have received a written warning because of the spectator brawl. The derby was a fiery encounter that the Sharks won by 12 points, but the league match 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. The GSFL released a statement on Wednesday, confirming the actions it had taken. “The GSFL has charged two people with a strike one category offence, following an extraordinary board of directors meeting on Tuesday,” the statement read. “The offence is under . . . Country Football WA’s new supporter behaviour governance system, so the GSFL are following due protocol and processes. “A strike one offence is displaying poor conduct and is a warning for that person to significantly improve their behaviour. “Two other people involved in the incident received a written warning. “Both Royals and Albany will have a suspended bond of $2000 for any other incidents until the end of the 2025 season.” The fight happened at the end of the night-time league fixture — the first of the season — in front of families and children. The GSFL has refused to name the two people who have been handed strike one offences. There was also an incident involving a spectator at Saturday’s fixture at Collingwood Park, with the man having to be restrained and then arrested by police after it’s claimed he acted in a threatening and disorderly manner. GSFL chairperson Terry Eaton said it was a very disappointing weekend in terms of off-field behaviour. “We should be reflecting on what a great game of footy it was, but unfortunately we are dealing with this,” he said. “The GSFL feel we have dealt with it in an appropriate manner. “These are isolated things, and unfortunately alcohol is partly involved. “People need to be responsible for their own actions. “We promote footy as a good family outing and we certainly don’t want this behaviour at the footy.” Sharks president Tracy Blaszkow gave a statement to the Advertiser after the league’s investigation. “The GSFL have concluded their investigation into the incident, and as a club we are conducting an internal investigation,” she said. “We will do what we can to ensure this will not happen again.” Alyssa Tollec, events and facility manager at Retravision Stadium, said the venue was “deeply disappointed” by the behaviour. “This behaviour does not align with our values or the standards we uphold,” Ms Tollec said. “We are committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all our patrons, and we are taking immediate steps to ensure such incidents do not happen again.” Lions president James McRae and Country Football WA were contacted for comment.