A still of the footage of the alleged brawl captured on social media. Photo: JudyAndrew Intencion Mata/Facebook.
NSW Police are investigating an alleged violent brawl at the Under-15s Wagga City Wanderers and Canberra Olympic game on Saturday (31 May), which left parents and players crying and hugging.
Footage shared on social media shows two men throwing punches and one man attempting to put the other in a headlock at the conclusion of the match, which the Wagga City Wanderers won 3-1.
In the footage, a player from the Canberra Olympic team is seen trying to pull one of the men away from the other before a third man pushes him away. A second Olympic player is then shown being forcibly held by a third bystander before parents came, attempting to split the two separate brawls.
Footage also shows shaken players from both teams embracing one another, with parents escorting players and children away from the field.
Later footage shows NSW Police officers arriving at the scene.
Witnesses have told Region that the brawl was sparked by an alleged racist comment made by a spectator, but this has not been confirmed by either club or the police.
Police were seen arriving at the scene. Footage: JudyAndrew Intencion Mata/Facebook.
“At about 12:30 pm on Saturday, 31 May 2025, police were called to a car park on Rawling Street, Lake Albert, following reports of a fight,” NSW Police state in a statement.
“Officers attached to Riverina Police District responded; however, the crowd had dispersed.
“Officers spoke to a number of people and were told the fight followed an argument between two groups.
“A man and child suffered scratches and bruises but did not need medical treatment.
“Inquiries are continuing and anyone with information is urged to come forward and contact Wagga Wagga Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 3333 000.”
Capital Football, the governing body of the Canberra competition in which the match took place, released a statement on social media.
“Capital Football is aware of an incident that occurred at the conclusion of a National Premier League Boys fixture at Rawlings Park, Wagga Wagga, on Saturday,” it said.
“We wish to reiterate to all members of the football community that there is absolutely no place for abuse or misconduct in our game.
“Such behaviour is completely unacceptable and goes against the core values of respect, inclusion, and fair play that underpin our sport. Capital Football is cooperating fully with the relevant authorities as the matter is currently under investigation. As such, no further comments will be made at this time.”
The Wagga City Wanderers have released a statement stating they are also cooperating with police.
“Wagga City Wanderers are aware of an incident that occurred earlier today at Rawlings Park.
“The club is cooperating fully with Capital Football, NSW Police, and all relevant authorities as they conduct their investigations. As this is an ongoing matter, we will not be making any further comments at this time.”
The timing could not be worse for Riverina soccer, with a Capital Football official review released last week recommending that Wagga and Griffith football clubs be excluded from the league from next year onwards, citing costs and travel as reasons.
This recommendation was slammed by clubs from both towns.
“Wagga City Wanderers is surprised at the isolationist approach that Capital Football have accepted in the recently released review, considering the travel ratio is 1:13, the impact is borne by the regional players, coaches and supporters,” the Wanderers said in a statement.
“Football played only by clubs within 20 minutes of each other will not encourage development and growth and we hope that the messages and gestures of support we are receiving from opposition clubs, the wider football community and supporters are observed by Capital Football as they consider the impacts of the review.”
Original Article published by Jarryd Rowley on Region Riverina.
