Court date for angry rugby league fan

A league fan who pursued a junior player into a changing room and allegedly punched the boy will appear in court next month.

The man allegedly pursued the substituted player from the field and punched him repeatedly, during an under-16 game between Auckland clubs Howick and Pt Chevalier earlier this month.

Auckland Rugby League (ARL) referred the incident, which happened at Paparoa Park in Howick, to police. It is understood the alleged offender was a Howick supporter, the victim a Pt Chevalier player. Both clubs reportedly back the legal action.

A number of people associated with the Pt Chevalier team told the Sunday Star-Times the man who threw the punches was a parent of one of the Howick players, but the Howick club refutes this.

ARL general manager Pat Carthy confirmed the incident but not the details, saying he couldn't comment because it was before the courts. Pt Chevalier chairman Bruce Harold also declined to comment before the case went to court.

Howick chairman Bruce Campbell didn't witness the incident, but said: "We're very concerned about the matter and disappointed it happened in our clubrooms. The police were called and we've really been trying to work with them.

"We try to control our supporters but if someone behaves inappropriately, as this person clearly did, I guess there is very little anyone can do about that. I believe he had something to do with the team, but he wasn't a parent. He hasn't been around the club very long and he is not welcome.

"He has been told he can't come and watch our teams play, but until the charges I understand they can't go any further and ban him from all rugby league grounds."

New Zealand Rugby League said it would wait for the judicial system to finish with the case before talking to ARL about potential penalties.

It is not the first time a spectator has been involved in violence during a junior game. Recent incidents include a 2007 First XV rugby match between two Auckland schools that was called off after a spectator ran on to the field and punched a player.

In the same year, a Christchurch man received 250 hours of community service after hitting another parent at an under-13 rugby game.

Sports advocacy group Sparc has produced a tip sheet for parents with statements they should agree to, including: "I will not use bad language, nor will I harass players, coaches, officials or other spectators."

- © Fairfax NZ News