Disgusting night at Telstra
By Steve Mascord
March 19, 2006
FRIDAY night's Telstra Stadium game between the Bulldogs and Wests Tigers produced more stomach-churning images that prove hooliganism is again a massive problem in rugby league.
A middle-aged man was left with a bloodied face, Bulldogs fans leap over seats to throw punches, a spectator lifted his T-shirt over his head and tried to shield himself from the blows.
In a cowardly attack, he was kicked in the head for his trouble.
Security rushed to the northern terraces and broke up the melee within minutes, with one man arrested. He is facing a ban from all rugby league matches.
NRL chief executive David Gallop last night indicated that there was still the potential to fine or possibly deduct competition points from the Bulldogs.
"First we have to get reports from the clubs, police and stadium security," Gallop said.
"We want people to take any complaints to police and the sternest action must be taken by police and the courts.
"The Bulldogs have made big inroads regarding these problems recently and it would be a great shame if we have to put competition points or fines into play again."
The violence inside the stadium paled in comparison to scenes outside after the Bulldogs' crushing 47-12 win against the Wests Tigers..
Yesterday, fans contacted media outlets to report incidents like a child being hit in the head with a bottle, a train being trashed and scuffles in a corporate box.
The Bulldogs later revealed that one spectator was charged after being thrown out of the ground. Another 17 fans were ejected during the night.
In a sickening aftermath to a wild night, one parent said in an email that his four-year-old was hit in the face with a stray bottle and needed to go to hospital for stitches.
Many others said they will never go to another NRL game.
Bulldogs chief executive Malcolm Noad urged fans to report violent incidents to the police so action could be taken against those involved.
"What happened outside the ground is very disappointing," Noad said. "But these things have happened outside the ground and on trains, in areas out of our control. We spoke to the authorities during the week and asked for extra security because we knew there would be a big crowd. Inside the ground there was one fight only."
Noad rejected Gallop's suggestion that the Bulldogs could be deducted competition points or face a hefty fine over the latest crowd trouble because it happened outside Telstra Stadium.
"That would be absolutely ridiculous," Noad said. "The league knows how much we've done to minimise problems at our games within the confines of Telstra Stadium over the last couple of years.
"We've done more than any other club and we've been very effective. It would be ridiculous to think we could be held liable for what happened outside the ground."
Police minister Carl Scully last night said he will meet with senior police tomorrow and will get reports from police at the ground and view closed circuit TV footage.
"I want to explore the options of dealing with this small minority of supporters who use the excuse of a football game for their obnoxious, intimidating behaviour which is frightening mums and dads and families," he said.
"I am not going to stand for it. I am confident the NRL won't either."
Making the Bulldogs play day games "might be an option they might like to consider."
The Sunday Telegraph