Community News - providing readers with the very latest in local news, sport, entertainment and more.
Camera IconCommunity News - providing readers with the very latest in local news, sport, entertainment and more. Credit: Community News

Wanneroo: no charges laid yet over soccer brawl

Mark DonaldsonWanneroo Times

POLICE have yet to lay charges over the serious assault of a soccer player during a social match in Wanneroo late last month.

A 25-year-old Hamersley man suffered a broken jaw and injuries to his mouth and eyes after being repeatedly kicked in the head at Wanneroo Sports and Social Club on Crisafulli Avenue about 7pm on January 31.

The match was under the management of Area 5 Football, which runs a number of five-a-side competitions on outdoor artificial pitches around Perth.

PerthNow Digital Edition.
Your local paper, whenever you want it.

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

READ NOW

MORE: Bullsbrook Stop: anti-fracking ute muster to deliver message ahead of election

MORE: Elective surgery wait times at Armadale Kelmscott Memorial Hospital to blow out

MORE: Woodvale man charged with alleged rape of 11-year-old girl in Scarborough park

Area 5 founder Bryan Raeburn explained how the game got out of hand.

“The game was going fine until, from what I am aware, there was a bit of verbal from a player in the sideline and someone decided to throw a punch,” he said.

Area 5 banned the offending team for life and the victim’s side quit the league.

Mr Raeburn said the referee, who was unharmed, did as much as he could.

“Our referee wasn’t fearful as he wasn’t a target during the incident,” he said. “He separated the teams, which was great work considering the situation.”

There would be no rule changes to the Area 5 competition in light of the assault.

Mr Raeburn believed the regulations were adequate.

“If you throw a punch or are involved in violent behaviour you are banned,” he said.

“We do not tolerate this behaviour as it would be at any Football West or football venue across Australia.”

Police are seeking information on the attack, particularly from anyone who was at the venue on the night.

Call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 and quote reference number 7093.