NEWCASTLE and Hunter Rugby Union has been alerted to an incident in a colts game in which a touch judge was allegedly knocked to the ground by a spectator.
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The alleged incident occurred in the second half of the under-19s game between Merewether and Nelson Bay, which the Greens won 58-5.
Eye witnesses told the Herald that Nelson Bay players were standing in goal at the northern end of the ground after conceding a try.
The alleged perpetrator spoke with two Nelson Bay players and after the attempted conversion by Merewether was waved away, he ran across and knocked to the ground a touch judge, who was a volunteer associated with the Greens.
The assailant, who is understood to be a member of the senior club, then ran out of the ground. The touch judge was not seriously injured.
Nelson Bay president Adam Wells said he was gathering information about the incident.
If, as seems likely, the alleged attacker is cited, he will face a lengthy suspension if found guilty.
“We have been advised that Nelson Bay club ground manager will be submitting a report,” Fairfull said. “If they don’t, Merewether or the Union will be citing the person. We have to protect referees and volunteers.The incident will then be forwarded to the citing commissioner and away we go.”
Meanwhile, the Newcastle referees association have appealed against a six-game suspension handed to University coach Mark O’Brien for abusing a match official. O’Brien was initially given 12 weeks but had it halved.
