Aggressive footy parents could face ban
The head of the NSW Rugby League says aggressive parents may need to be banned from junior matches, after one man seriously injured in a sideline fight was taken to hospital.
Gary Harling, 47, remains in hospital with serious head injuries after the bashing at a junior rugby league match in western Sydney on Saturday.
Police were called to a sports oval at Glenwood just after midday, after the fight broke in the oval car park after an under-12s match.
Mr Harling had interjected to stop an argument involving three fathers from the Blacktown City team and a female supporter of his son's side, St Patrick's.
He was then set upon by the men, sparking a clash that reportedly involved up to 30 parents.
His wife says he was punched to the ground by one man and then held up by two other men and repeatedly punched.
The bashing highlights an ongoing problem at junior rugby league games, which now has some administrators considering a sideline ban for parents.
Sydney's Daily Telegraph newspaper says the Central Coast Junior Rugby League is considering barring parents from its games next season.
Spectator bans have been backed by NSW Rugby League general manager Geoff Carr, who says the attack on Mr Harling is "unacceptable".
"If it comes to that we will (ban parents), but we're hopeful that the parents will get the message," Mr Carr told Macquarie Radio on Tuesday.
"What occurred on the weekend is unacceptable, so we've got to make sure that parents take responsibility for their own actions.
"They've got to be aware that there will be strong consequences if they don't."
Mr Harling remains in a serious condition in hospital with severe facial swelling and broken eye sockets.
The Daily Telegraph reports that doctors will have to rebuild his face.
His medical prognosis remains unclear and a decision on what surgery he will require will not be made before Friday, his wife said on Monday.
Police arrested a 34-year-old man at the scene on Saturday, but released him without charge after questioning.
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