ABUSIVE FAN PULLS KNIFE AT FOOTY

BIRREGURRA DRAMA: Man arrested after brandishing weapon at local game, police say

A MAN has been arrested after allegedly brandishing a weapon at a country footy game.

Victoria Police claimed a 39-year-old spectator was spotted hurling abuse at CDFNL umpires during the Alvie versus Birregurra game on Saturday afternoon.

When other spectators intervened, it is alleged the man — reportedly a Birregurra supporter — produced a knife. “Police arrested the man after they located him still holding the knife,” a police spokeswoman said.

A MAN has been arrested after allegedly brandishing a weapon at a country football game.

Victoria Police claimed a 39-year-old spectator was spotted hurling abuse at CDFNL umpires during the Alvie versus Birregurra game on Saturday afternoon.

When other spectators intervened, it is alleged the man — reportedly a Birregurra supporter — produced a knife.

“Police arrested the man after they located him still holding the knife,” a police spokeswoman said.

The man was taken to Colac police station, where he was released pending a court summons.

“The male was interviewed for weapons-related offences,” a police spokesman said.

“An application to destroy the knife will be made.”

It is understood the man will be charged on summons to appear at a local magistrates court later this year.

Birregurra Football Netball Club president Mick Paddick said the incident was under investigation at both a league and a club level.

“The individual in question is not a member of the Birregurra Football Netball Club,” Mr Paddick said.

“The alleged incident in no way represents the values of the club.”

Alvie later won the game by more than 40 points.

The alleged incident comes months after reports a female umpire was the target of sexist abuse after a practice match in Ocean Grove.

Both AFL Barwon and AFL Victoria launched investigations into the alleged incident.

Former AFL umpire Shaun Ryan said in March that abuse towards umpires was “unacceptable”.

“It’s been ingrained into footy culture over the last 100 years that you go to the footy and the umpires are fair game,” Mr Ryan said at the time.

“I would encourage footy fans who see this behaviour, and know that it’s unacceptable, to call it out and assist in making umpiring enjoyable.”

AFL Victoria said it had been made aware of the weekend’s incident and it “strongly condemns violence of any nature”.