Wheelchair-bound woman's daughter rushes to defend her at kids' footy match - and allegedly gets punched in the face so hard she had to be hospitalised
By ANDREW PRENTICE FOR DAILY MAIL AUSTRALIA
Published: | Updated:
A woman has been hospitalised on the Gold Coast after coming to the aid of her wheelchair-bound mother at a junior rugby league match on June 21.
Police confirmed they are investigating the incident, which saw the woman, 20, allegedly punched in the face.
'Around 11.20am a person allegedly assaulted a woman at a sports venue,' a Queensland Police spokesperson said.
'Initial information indicates the incident occurred following a disturbance involving the victim's mother, during which the victim was allegedly punched in the face as she attempted to intervene.
'The 20-year-old victim later sought treatment at Gold Coast University Hospital for minor injuries. 'Investigations are continuing.'
Following the alleged incident - which is said to have unfolded between a match featuring the Burleigh Bears and Helensvale Hornets - the footy district's board issued an open letter to parents from all teams demanding better sideline behaviour.
A woman was hospitalised on the Gold Coast after coming to the aid of her wheelchair-bound mother at a junior rugby league match on June 21 (stock image)
Police confirmed they are investigating the incident, which saw the woman, 20, allegedly punched in the face (stock image)
'After some reflection over the weekend, I feel it is imperative to address the concerning behaviours that have emerged during our recent games - not just incidents on the field, but more disturbingly, those off the field,' the letter read, according to News Corp.
'We have witnessed coaches directing inappropriate comments at green sock (junior) referees, others abandoning their benches mid-game out of frustration over losing, and a range of other unacceptable behaviours including referee abuse and physical altercations among spectators.
'It's disheartening to see, we should be a bastion of sportsmanship and camaraderie.'
In a separate alleged incident on the same day, an intoxicated spectator was removed from the sidelines of an under-14 division two match between Currumbin Eagles and Tugun Seahawks after allegedly verbally abusing other spectators.
The instances of alleged poor spectator behaviour on the Gold Coast follow recent figures released by the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOSCAR) which revealed instances of violence on NSW playing fields and sports centres continue to escalate.
BOSCAR's statistics showed there were 150 assaults reported to police at sports grounds and centres across NSW, with almost 70 per cent at outdoor sports fields.
A NSW Police spokesman said there was zero tolerance for violent behaviour.
'Anyone who organises or participates in violent or anti-social behaviour can expect appropriate action by police. All evidence will be used to help identify those involved, including social media posts,' the spokesman said.
In one highly concerning incident back in April, four people were charged with affray and a fifth with offensive conduct following a sideline brawl at an under-7s soccer game at Fairfield in Sydney's west.
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