THE police air wing was called to an under-17s football match in Lalor yesterday after a fierce brawl erupted that resulted in two people being hospitalised.
Emergency services were called to the W.A Smith Reserve just before 5pm when things turned ugly during the final quarter of a Northern Football League game between the Lalor Stars and Lalor.
A caller to radio station 3AW’s rumour file segment said one player was taken to hospital with a broken jaw. An Ambulance Victoria spokeswoman confirmed two people were taken to hospital – one to the Royal Melbourne and the other to the Northern in Epping – but could not confirm the nature of their injuries.
A Victoria Police spokeswoman said the air wing conducted a fly-over of the football oval but said members on the ground managed to get control of the situation soon after arriving at 4.50pm.
The Northern Football League will conduct an investigation of the incident but CEO Jeremy Bourke was not available for comment this morning.
In a statement released on their website, the NFL said it was conducting an investigation.
“The NFL does not tolerate any behaviour that prohibits the staging of football matches that are safe for all participants and spectators.
“The allegations regarding behaviour at this particular fixture are disappointing and concerning.
“In order to maintain the integrity of the investigation the NFL will not make further comment until the investigation has concluded.”
Lalor Junior Club president Joy Lee and Lalor Stars president Ollie Musolino both declined to comment.
