Shocking footage showed players and supporters from the Berala Bears and Lalor Park Kookas A-Grade sides, coming to blows in the carpark at the Terry Lamb complex on Sunday about 3pm.
When police arrived, the group had mostly dispersed and it wasn’t until a short time later they became aware – through social media footage – “of the exact gravity of the situation”.
A 21-year-old man has been charged with affray and behaving in an offensive manner in/near public place/school, with more arrests and charges expected.
Bankstown Police Commander, Superintendent Adam Johnson, said the behaviour was outrageous and “totally unacceptable”.
He has also called on the community help identify those involved, after reaching out to both clubs which he expects will give their full cooperation in solving this issue and identifying all the people involved.
“This behaviour is well outside community expectations,” he said.
“Clearly people haven’t got their emotions in check and have issues with their anger.
“We’re relying on the footage at the moment, if there’s any other angles and so on, I’d really like to see that as well.”
The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs said the brawl allegedly involving members of one of its junior league clubs (Berala Bears), was under investigation and would cooperate with any investigation by police and/or NSWRL officials.
The club said it took such matters very seriously and did not condone acts of violence on or off the field.
