Foul-mouthed fan's whopping footy ban
An A-grade rugby league clash in Darwin has been marred by a spectator hurling abuse at the referee and opposition players, earning them a years-long ban from the sport.
The Darwin Brothers supporter received a 30-month ban following the incident during the second half of a top-of-the-table match between the Litchfield Bears and Brothers at TRL Stadium on July 13.
The outburst came moments after the Brothers had brought the score to 20-18, with abusive comments of a personal nature directed at the referee visiting from Queensland, The NT News reports.
The comments were reportedly shouted from the hill behind the goalposts.
The referee called time off at 61:39 on the clock, informing both captains of the abuse.
Security and match officials worked to calm the crowd before the game resumed several minutes later, with the Bears eventually edging out a 28-26 victory.
Darwin Brothers president John Adams told NT News his club did not condone such behaviour.
'Our club doesn't condone any sort of abuse, verbal or otherwise, towards the officials,' Mr Adams said.
NRL NT general manager Tony Crowe also backed the referee's decision to halt play.
'It was a close game between the top of the table sides, but we 100 per cent support the referee's decision to pause the match,' Mr Crowe said.
'We've all come here to enjoy rugby league, not listen to some individual that thinks their opinion is above everyone else's, particularly when it's in a negative manner toward a match official.
'The NRL NT is currently working through the process, we've got a number of reports from the referee and ground managers and due process will follow.'
The spectator was banned for 12 months for abusing the referee, 12 months for abusing opposition players, and an additional six months for bringing the game into disrepute.
In a separate incident, a spectator in Katherine was banned for 12 months for using obscene or offensive language toward a junior referee and for conduct that discredits the game.
NRL NT operations manager Sheron McDougall condemned the behaviour.
'It's a timely reminder to all clubs and participants that we need to be mindful this is a sport and we have a responsibility to abide by the code of conduct,' Mr McDougall said.
'We're drawing a line in the sand, it won't be tolerated, we hope these matters can be solved without a game being paused but the referee is well within their right to do so and we support that.
'This is happening across all sports and we have to be mindful, we do need these match officials to keep our game going.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Matildas enter new cycle as Montemurro makes first squad call
After months of speculation, Joe Montemurro has officially stepped into the role of CommBank Matildas head coach — and his first squad selection gives a clear indication of what's to come. With four friendlies scheduled across Perth and Bunbury against Slovenia and Panama, Montemurro's 33-player squad is equal parts experimental and strategic. It looks firmly to the future but still respects the core of Australia's recent success. Advertisement Montemurro's coaching CV stands unmatched in Australian football. He's won titles at Melbourne City, Arsenal, Juventus and Lyon. Known for his tactical identity, culture-building and strong player relationships, Montemurro arrives with high expectations. His appointment brings cautious optimism — not because of his ability, but because of the scale of the task. The Matildas are not a dominant European club with a deep bench. They're a team balancing stars with the need to regenerate. In a crowded international calendar, Montemurro now has just four FIFA windows to prepare for the 2026 Asian Cup. 'This window is about setting the tone,' Montemurro said. 'We're laying the foundations for the next phase of our journey as we build relationships, create an understanding of our style of play and enhance the high-performance environment that enables our players to thrive.' He has made the most of the extended international window by casting a wide net, selecting 14 A-League Women players and 16 players with fewer than 10 caps. Some players will feature only in the Slovenia series, while others will play exclusively in the Panama fixtures. The split allows for smart player management and the chance to test new combinations. A new generation steps in Among the standout inclusions are three first-time call-ups: Grace Kuilamu (Brisbane Roar), Adriana Taranto (Western United) and Alexia Apostolakis (Melbourne City). All three have impressed at club level and represent the next wave of Australian talent. Advertisement Also returning to the squad are players many fans have wanted back. Alex Chidiac — the reigning Julie Dolan Medallist — returns after being mostly overlooked by the previous regime. Emily Gielnik is fit again. Chloe Berryhill (née Logarzo) rejoins the team after a concussion cut her last appearance short. Embed from Getty Images Jacynta Galabadaarachchi also returns for the first time since 2022. Her selection is particularly notable — she had previously pledged her international future to Argentina. This suggests a renewed commitment to the Matildas and a fresh opportunity under Montemurro. Sharn Freier is another welcome return. The winger is back from a long-term injury and is set to join Wolfsburg in the upcoming season. Advertisement 'We wanted to use this window not just to prepare for the matches,' Montemurro said, 'but to really explore the talent that's coming through. It's a rare opportunity to work with a broadened squad, give players their first or renewed taste of the environment and assess where we are as a group.' Rested, missing and unlucky Some big names are missing — but it's deliberate. Steph Catley, Caitlin Foord and Katrina Gorry are all on personal leave. It's a sensible decision. Each has had an intense schedule and played a central role in recent Matildas campaigns. A break now could pay off when the Asian Cup comes around in March. Mary Fowler and Sam Kerr remain out with injury. Cortnee Vine continues her extended leave. A leg injury sidelined Tameka Yallop. Kahli Johnson, who showed promise in her debut series, misses out with a thigh strain. Advertisement Two players who can consider themselves unlucky are Izzy Gomez and Leticia McKenna. Gomez impressed against Argentina but didn't make the squad this time, with no injury reported. McKenna delivered a strong domestic season, and many expected her to earn a call-up. Embed from Getty Images Looking ahead Montemurro has been clear that this camp isn't just about winning — it's about building. With a home Asian Cup, a World Cup in Brazil and the LA Olympics ahead, the next few years are crucial. 'This camp is really an identification process,' he said. 'It's a process for the players to understand where we're heading. It's really, really important that we give every player an opportunity.' Advertisement The squad still features key leaders like Ellie Carpenter, Alanna Kennedy and Emily van Egmond. They're joined by rising talents including Holly McNamara, Bryleeh Henry and Jamilla Rankin. It's a mix of experience and experimentation — exactly what this team needs. Embed from Getty Images The Matildas won't face judgment based on this window alone. But fans and critics will judge Montemurro. After a 10-month delay in replacing Tony Gustavsson, expectations are high. Whether this group delivers a trophy or not, it already shows a willingness to evolve. And that's exactly what Australian football needs right now. Related articles from Her Football Hub:
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Police search for teenage driver after fatal crash
A woman has died and another has lost her unborn child after a car crash, with police searching for one of the drivers involved. Just before 3am on Sunday, Newcastle police officers saw a Holden sedan allegedly driving dangerously, but did not pursue it due to safety concerns. A short time later, the sedan was involved in a head-on collision with another car. A passenger in that car and believed to be in her fifties was found dead while the 28-year-old driver, who was 25 weeks pregnant, suffered serious leg injuries. Police later confirmed her unborn child had died. The two women are believed to be related. The driver and a passenger of the Holden left the scene before police arrived. Witnesses said they saw a male and female running from the area. Two other passengers in the Holden - teenage girls aged 15 and 17 - were treated by paramedics before being taken to John Hunter Hospital under police guard in a serious condition. Police are searching for the 19-year-old male driver, acting assistant commissioner Paul Dunn said. "This is a horrible incident (and) what's occurred is truly tragic," Mr Dunn told reporters. "Two women driving around innocently, one has lost their life, one has lost their unborn child." Police have urged anyone with relevant footage or information to come forward. They also wish to speak with a 17-year-old girl believed to be the front seat passenger of the vehicle. "We do not believe this to be a stolen vehicle, but joy-riding and driving in a dangerous manner is always a real concern for us here in the Newcastle area," Mr Dunn said. A critical incident has been declared and a team from Hunter Valley Police District will investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Bulldogs forward Jamarra Ugle-Hagan opens up on mental health struggles and hitting ‘rock bottom'
Western Bulldogs Jamarra Ugle-Hagan has opened up about his mental health struggles on the Rip Through It podcast. Western Bulldogs Jamarra Ugle-Hagan has opened up about his mental health struggles on the Rip Through It podcast. Photograph: Morgan Hancock/AAP The Western Bulldogs forward Jamarra Ugle-Hagan has opened up about his mental health struggles for the first time since taking a leave of absence, saying there were times he 'didn't want to leave the house'. The former No 1 draft pick is hoping to make his AFL comeback after recently visiting a health retreat in northern New South Wales. Advertisement Ugle-Hagan has not played this season but rejoined Bulldogs teammates earlier this week for the first time since April. He revealed the extent of his struggles while speaking with former AFL players Mitch Robinson and Rhys Mathieson on their Rip Through It podcast, saying he had battled with suicidal thoughts. 'All the noises actually sent me to a rehab facility for my mental health,' Ugle-Hagan said. 'It got to a point where I had to give my car to a mate, so I couldn't drive – I just didn't trust myself driving. 'There were times when I would think about, to be honest with you, [it is] just not even worth living. Advertisement 'I went through a struggle where I didn't want to leave the house. I hit rock bottom and found basement … suicidal thoughts would come pretty frequently.' Related: Callan Ward turning heartbreak into inspiration sums up all that is wonderful about AFL | Jonathan Horn Ugle-Hagan said he turned to alcohol at the height of his struggles before spending time at the health retreat. 'When you are down, you want to keep finding an upper,' Ugle-Hagan said. 'My upper was probably staying and hanging out with my mates and getting on the piss, and training with them as well. 'But it just had no end goal. I didn't have a game. I didn't have anything. Advertisement 'My mental health wasn't in the right space, so I was struggling, and I found it really tough to even enjoy football.' Ugle-Hagan had been unable to regularly train with the Dogs since late last year. He took part in a light training session at Whitten Oval, but could still be weeks away from a possible comeback at VFL level. The AFL would need to approve Ugle-Hagan's comeback because he has been under the league's mental health plan since taking leave. But Ugle-Hagan, who is contracted to the Bulldogs until the end of next season, said he was focused on resuming his 67-game AFL career. The Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge last week raised that same prospect. Advertisement 'I want to play footy. I can't wait to play footy,' Ugle-Hagan said. 'I have been watching every single Bulldogs game. I have been supporting them. 'I will go to games at the end of the year. I genuinely want to play one more (game), I want to play some games. 'It's going to be grouse.' Ugle-Hagan maintained his commitment to the Bulldogs after trade speculation linked him with a possible trade to the Sydney Swans, given his time spent in NSW. He led the Bulldogs with a career-best 43 goals in 22 appearances last year, but has not featured at any level since the elimination final defeat to Hawthorn. Advertisement Beveridge has also swatted away suggestions Ugle-Hagan could be on the move, declaring him 'our player'. 'I'm obviously still contracted with the Doggies and I still want to play for them and I want to win a flag,' Ugle-Hagan said. 'It's the Bulldogs until my contract runs out and then hopefully they offer me another one, but we will see how we go. 'They have given me opportunities since day dot, so why can't I get back?' – with Australian Associated Press
