A 37-year-old man will front Dubbo Local Court in November after being charged in relation to the ugly scenes witnessed at the end of a junior rugby league grand final last Saturday.
Video footage and still photographs helped officers track down the man they will allege approached a volunteer, before pushing him to the ground and threatening him and a number of bystanders.
The move has sent a strong message pertaining to public order in the wake of the scenes witnessed at the conclusion of the match between St Johns and Dubbo City.
After a number of incidents marred the contest the decider was called off early, which sparked further chaos on the Caltex Park facility.
Officers attached to Orana Local Area Command were notified and commenced an investigation.
Following those inquiries, at about 5pm on Friday, the man was arrested and taken to Dubbo Police Station, where he was charged with affray, behave in offensive manner in/near public place and stalk/intimidate intend fear physical harm.
He was granted conditional bail by police and is due to appear at Dubbo Local Court on Wednesday, November 15.
Inquiries into the incident are continuing but Orana Local Area Command investigations manager Detective Sergeant Mark Meredith said sporting contests aren’t immune from the law.
“Police would like to reiterate that violence, public disorder, assault, threats and intimidation will not be tolerated,” he said.
“There is an expectation from the community that families, supporters, spectators, players and officials are protected by the law and that’s exactly what we will do.
“If anybody intends to behave in a way that was displayed for all to see, at what should have been a wonderful day of sport, then expect to face the consequences in a court of law.
“Dubbo and District Junior Rugby League, along with the Country Rugby League, will carry out their own investigations and that process I believe has commenced through the appropriate channels and reporting mechanisms.
“However, whereby persons (including players) perform illegal acts deemed to be criminal as a result of police investigations, those individuals may be charged with serious offences by the police.”
