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AFL Northern Territory has condemned an on-field brawl which saw an umpire thrown to the ground during a men’s premier league football match in Darwin.
The incident occurred during the fourth quarter of the NT Football League elimination final between Southern Districts and the PINT Football Club on Saturday, with video footage showing several players from both sides engaging in a melee.
The push and shove begins following a heavy collision between two players competing for the football, which leaves a PINT player injured on the ground.
In retaliation, another PINT player barges into an opponent.
More players subsequently become involved, including one Southern Districts team member who runs from more than 10 metres away.
Shortly after, an umpire attempting to break up the fight is grabbed by PINT player Warrick Williams and thrown to the ground.
Williams was subsequently sent from the field by the officials, with the incident being referred to the match review panel.
In a statement, AFLNT said it had “zero tolerance … to umpire abuse in any form”.
“Umpires are integral to our game and like everyone have the right to feel safe and valued at the footy,” the statement said.
“Whilst we acknowledge that this incident must follow due process, we wish to reinforce that AFLNT strongly condemns abuse of any type in our game.”
PINT president Spencer Harvey echoed AFLNT’s remarks.
“PINT wish to reinforce and strongly condemn abuse of any type in our game and has no tolerance when it comes to umpire abuse,” he said in a statement.
Southern Districts won the match by 26 points.
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