By Jeremy Sollars
Players involved in a wild brawl during the Warwick Wolves versus St Alban’s senior men’s football game in Warwick on Sunday could face fines or terms of suspension – or even expulsion from the 2017 competition – under Football Queensland rules.
As reported by the Free Times online yesterday the match referee was forced to call off the game after what has been described as an “all in brawl”, understood to have happened as the players were leaving the field at half-time.
The Warwick Wolves were leading 4-1 at the time.
It has not been formally established at this point as to what triggered the brawl and which players were involved or instigated the incident.
A melee or brawl is defined under Football Queensland (FQ) rules as “misconduct” but it is understood penalties can vary depending on whether or not an incident took place on the field of play or behind the sidelines.
But those involved will potentially face stiff penalties or sanctions – including fines, suspensions and expulsions – which can be applied by FQ and also as prescribed under international FIFA standards.
Penalties can also be applied to clubs themselves.
The Free Times approach Football South West Queensland – the zone governing body – for comment on the incident yesterday and was told the investigation had been referred to Football Queensland.
An FQ spokesmen yesterday, Monday 26 June, said as the incident only occurred on Sunday FQ “can’t offer speculation as to what led to the incident”.
“Decisions regarding disciplinary action and competition points will be made following a full investigation,” the spokesman said.
The game appears to have been listed as a “draw” on the Football South West Queensland website.
Long-time football figures in the region have said it’s the first time they can ever recall a game being called off due to a brawl and have expressed concern about the damage done to the image of football in the region.
