A violent brawl disrupted the under-17s match between Port Macquarie and Wollongong teams at the NSW OzTag State Championships in Coffs Harbour on Saturday. What started as post-match handshakes escalated into chaos when insults flew, leading 15- and 16-year-old players to exchange blows. Parents then rushed onto the field, intensifying the fight.
Details of the Disturbing Clash
Video footage captures players and adults trading punches, including one teenager striking the Wollongong coach. Another man entered the melee and was knocked down. The incident marred the three-day tournament at C.ex Coffs International Stadium, where a record 343 teams vied for state titles.
The teams faced off twice that day due to the draw schedule. Wollongong secured decisive victories in both games, fueling frustrations that boiled over. No immediate penalties were issued, allowing Wollongong to advance to quarterfinals the next day.
Investigation and Potential Lifetime Bans
OzTag Australia is probing the matter. A Port Macquarie OzTag spokeswoman emphasized a strict no-abuse policy for all participants, coaches, staff, and spectators. She highlighted zero tolerance for violence and racial vilification, noting the association’s diverse participants.
“Our association maintains a firm zero-tolerance policy toward racial slurs or any form of vilification. Such behaviour is unacceptable and will not be condoned,” she stated. “Any individual found to be at fault will be held accountable.”
Tournament director Bill Harrigan, a former NRL and international rugby league referee, confirmed lifetime bans are under consideration. Speaking on 2GB Monday, he said officials are reviewing footage to identify those involved, many of whom removed shirts during the fight.
“We will work with Port Macquarie over identifying these people, and then we’ll start taking some further action,” Harrigan stated. “There is a father and a son that we’ve identified already. They will be getting life bans from the sport. One of them is the one in the black shirt that throws the slap at the coach from Wollongong.”
He added that penalties could range from lifetime exclusions to lengthy suspensions, stressing the event was otherwise incident-free.
Public Reaction and Prior Incidents
Social media erupted with outrage, with parents questioning the safety of OzTag events. One commenter preferred A-League matches for a more welcoming atmosphere. Others demanded lifetime bans for those throwing punches from behind.
This follows a similar melee at Parry Park in Lakemba last September, where multiple fights during suburban OzTag games drew police response amid fears for children’s safety.
