‘The level of violence is getting worse’: Footy fans brawling at season opener could be charged as police warn the problem of crowd violence is escalating
- Man, 19, has been already charged with riotous behaviour after the brawl
- Vic police chief said the AFL opener brawl is being further investigated
- Violent incidents at footy hadn’t increased, but severity of violence had
- He said the violence was ‘serious enough to warrant an affray investigation’
At least six men involved in a violent brawl during the AFL season opener could still face charges, according to Victoria’s police chief.
A 19-year-old has already been fined for riotous behaviour following last Thursday’s post-match dust-up after Richmond’s 33-point victory over Carlton.
Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton said the matter was still being investigated.
‘Initially there were fines, but looking at the footage, it’s serious enough to warrant an affray investigation,’ Mr Ashton told SEN radio on Tuesday.
Video of the brawl shows a group of at least six men, one wearing a Tigers guernsey, throwing punches as dozens of other fans watch on.
Mr Ashton said the number of violent incidents at footy matches hadn’t increased, but the severity of the violence had.
‘On Friday night, for example, we had a couple of fights at the MCG that we’re dealing with and a police member was assaulted outside the ground,’ he said.
‘The level of violence is getting worse – but that’s not just a footy issue, it’s a whole of society issue.’
Last week, AFL boss Gillon McLachlan labelled the brawl ‘incredibly disappointing’ and ‘completely unacceptable’, while flagging the league’s intention to take action.
Mr Ashton (pictured) said the number of violent incidents at footy matches hadn’t increased, but the severity of the violence had
An AFL representative has confirmed that the investigation is ‘still underway’ and that they will ‘need a few more days’ until they can confirm if any bans will be imposed.
Last week, AFL boss Gillon McLachlan (pictured) labelled the brawl ‘incredibly disappointing’ and ‘completely unacceptable’, while flagging the league’s intention to take action