FAN ALLEGEDLY ASSAULTS OFFICER:

Corio man charged

A CORIO man has been charged with assaulting a policewoman and security guard at Saturday night’s AFL match between the Geelong Cats and North Melbourne.

The 45-year-old was asked to leave the match at GMHBA Stadium due to “behavioural issues and being drunk”, Victoria Police said.

It is alleged man then assaulted a security guard and a female police officer as he exited the venue.

The man was peppersprayed and arrested after the alleged attack.

One female police officer, aged in her 30s, suffered facial injuries, while a second policewoman was affected by the spray.

Both officers were taken to hospital.

Premier Daniel Andrews yesterday said no one wanted to see ugly scenes at a family sporting event.

“It is never acceptable to be violent against anybody, but it is particularly offensive and simply not on to be injuring any members of our emergency services,” Mr Andrews said.

The Geelong Advertiser understands this is the first time an alleged attack of this nature has happened at GMHBA Stadium this year.

Kardinia Park Stadium Trust CEO Gerard Griffin said the trust did not condone “poor behaviour” of any type at the stadium.

“The Kardinia Park Stadium Trust is aware of an incident involving a police officer during (the) AFL match at GMHBA Stadium,” Mr Griffin.

“As this is a Victoria Police matter, no further comment will be made at this stage.”

Mr Griffin confirmed the trust would review the incident.

“As we do with every match, we will work with the AFL, Geelong Football Club and other relevant parties to review the match operationally and decide next steps in regards to this particular incident.”

The Cats issued a statement slamming the allegedly violent behaviour.

“All people should be able to attend the football in a safe environment without incidents such as these occurring,” the club said.

“We will work with various stakeholders to ascertain more details around the incident.”

The 45-year-old man has been charged with two counts of recklessly causing injury, unlawful assault, resisting police, assaulting an emergency worker on duty and behaving in a riotous manner.

He was bailed and will appear at the Geelong Magistrates’ Court on December 9.