Stadium erupts in brawl

TOM BIDDINGTON | April 10th, 2011

AN UGLY all-in brawl marred last night's Habitat Premier League match between Darwin Olympic and Uni Azzurri, with police called to in to Darwin Football Stadium.

Tensions rose during the match and exploded when the referee called the game over with five minutes left. With heavy rain for the last 20 minutes, the pitch had become unplayable as members of both teams flew in for dangerous tackles.

Olympic's Matt Goodwin was sent off just a couple of minutes before time was called and baited the crowd and Azzurri players as he left the ground. The ref called time but the Olympic player responded by pushing his Azzurri opponent.

Players from both teams jumped in and while most of it was a bit of push and shove, heated words were exchanged between players, officials and spectators.

One spectator, who is likely to face a hefty suspension if identified, threw a water bottle at the referees, who feared for their safety.

"It was a disgraceful situation inflamed by people who can't control their emotions," a witness said.

Your Say
"For those who say it's ongoing u may be the people who watch a game once every year. I have been playing and watching Darwin league soccer since I was 6 and I have only seen 3 major brawls. Where not all influenced by alcohol like u damn rednecks who in this day and age always always use as the reason."

"It's the sort of behaviour that gives soccer a bad reputation."

http://www.ntnews.com.au/article/2011/04/10/223801_ntnews.html