The Ballarat Football League will investigate two incidents that occurred at matches over the weekend.
In a statement released on Monday, the league said they would look into the incidents that occurred at Darley Park and Melton Recreation Reserve on Saturday.
The league will appoint investigation officers to look into both incidents.
The first incident occurred at the end of the Darley senior match against North Ballarat City.
A fracas occurred following the final siren between some Devils supporters and club president Ray Newton.
The club’s executive committee held an emergency meeting and Newton was stood down indefinitely. Three supporters have been banned from all Darley games and functions.
In a statement, Newton said he mishandled the situation.
“In trying to diffuse the situation, I became concerned for my own well-being and with an error of judgement lashed out at the person,” he said.
“This was a mistake on my part that is not befitting of the conduct of a president of our club.
“I apologise to you all for any let-down you may feel from my indiscretion but I wish to assure you that your best interests at Darley Football Netball Club shall remain our priority.”
Mark Shelly will act as president until the club’s annual general meeting.
In a statement on the club’s Facebook page, Devils secretary Lorissa Edwards said the incident had not involved North Ballarat City players or supporters.
In a further club statement said a club investigation that no coaching staff or senior players were involved in the disturbance, other than to break up the gathering.
It said the club was “disturbed” by the incident and offered an apology to all members, partners and the Ballarat Football Netball League community.
A second incident involving Melton South came to light not long after, with the Panthers sacking their under-18.5 coach on the spot after he was involved in an altercation with one of his own players.
Panthers’ senior coach Heath Pritchard said the club had launched its own investigation into the incident.
“It was an unfortunate incident and the club dealt with it straight away,” he said.
“The coach was removed and we don’t tolerate or accept that behaviour and the coach understands that.
“We’ve launched an internal investigation and still investigating why it occurred.
“We’re trying to find out the full facts.”
The league said it doesn’t condone poor or unsportsmanlike behaviour of any kind and is committed to ensuring clubs provide a family friendly environment.
