Hunt for 10 footy idiots
THE Ipswich Rugby League is on the hunt for 10 hooligans who joined in an on-field brawl during a rugby league grand final at North Ipswich Reserve on the weekend.
The IRL has vowed to impose life bans on the spectators who invaded the field on Sunday - and the QRL backs the punishment.
IRL chairman Jack Rhea branded the 10 spectators "idiots" and QRL chief executive Rob Moore said the incident was unacceptable as the fallout from the heated match continues.
The spectators came from the North Ipswich Reserve grandstand to join the all- in brawl in the closing stages of the under-18 grand final between Norths and Brothers.
IRL officials will scour security footage from the match this morning hoping to identify the spectators.
Mr Rhea has a clear message for the culprits.
"Do it and you are out for life. It's as simple as that," he said.
Mr Rhea said it was incidents like Sunday's brawl which continued to mar rugby league's reputation.
Eight police and 12 security guards were on hand to patrol the 6500-strong crowd.
"I've never has an experience like this before. We control the day as much as we can," he said.
"We have security on the gate checking bags. We only sell light beer and mid-strength spirits."
Mr Moore said the QRL would support the penalties the IRL hands out.
"We reserve the right to review them if we believe the penalties aren't sufficient enough, but we've got full confidence in our local leagues and divisions," he said.
"Over the last month alone, hundreds of junior and senior grand finals have been played all over the state and the vast majority have been played in the right spirit."
The Ipswich Junior Rugby League has moved to quell anti-social behaviour from spectators over the past five years.
IJRL president David Nugent said they introduced a three-pillar behavioural policy, including consistent leadership, rules and policies and enforcement to make grounds family friendly.
This year the IJRL has handed out 25 years in bans to unruly supporters.
