WA Football Commission investigating ugly colts brawl between Brigades and Mullewa

The GNFL and clubs involved are remaining tight-lipped about an ugly mass brawl that forced the colts game between Brigades and Mullewa on Saturday to be cancelled because too many players were red-carded.

Sometime during the third quarter of the game a fight broke out amongst the players.

The situation quickly escalated as players and possibly coaches were fighting before some spectators also ran onto the oval as a mob formed in the middle of the ground.

19 umpire reports were made relating to the incident and the multiple red cards given out left teams without enough players to continue and forced the cancellation of the game.

At the time the game was axed, the scores were close, with Brigades leading Mullewa 39-35.

It is not clear at this stage what sparked the incident with the GNFL not releasing any information.

In a brief statement, the GNFL said: “We are working through the incidents that occurred over the weekend and the GNFL have no comment until investigations are complete.”

The case has been sent to the West Australian Football Commission, which was contacted for comment

A person who witnessed the incident informed the Guardian that the GNFL had instructed presidents and officials to not release any information until further investigations were completed.

The GNFL umpires association was contacted for comment but stated the matter was for the GNFL and would not make a statement.

Mullewa president Mick Wall was in the change rooms gearing up for the reserves clash when he was informed of the incident.

“The players came in at three-quarter time and told me the game was called off as they wouldn’t stop fighting,” he said.

Mullewa had six players put on report — with three players accepting that decision and three players set to challenge.

Brigades league coach Cory Foot said the game was abandoned but did not want to comment further at this stage.

Brigades president Craig Harrington also declined to comment, stating “we are still getting to the bottom of the incident.”

Geraldton police were notified of the incident and were requested to patrol the area following the incident due to concerns of heightened tensions between players and supporters.

Patrols were carried out however there were no further incidents were recorded.

It is the fourth time red cards have been dished out this GNFL season, with two other cases also involving the Brigades and Mullewa colts sides and one red card given to Chapman Valley women’s team.