22 players banned after mass brawl

AUSTRALIAN Rules sporting officials have banned 22 players for a total of more than 400 matches following an all-in brawl last September involving players, fans and officials.

The punch-up at the North Queensland AFL grand final between the North Cairns Tigers and the Port Douglas Crocs sparked the lengthiest investigation in the history of the Australian code.

The Crocs had complained the Tigers’ charged at them after the pre-match national anthem ended. The melee continued after kick off, when spectators and coaching staff became involved.

Hostilities spilled over into the grandstands and children had to be plucked to safety as adults fought around them.

One Tigers player needed 20 stitches to a head wound after the fight.

All of the players suspended were from the Tigers.

Tigers coach Jason Love, a former player with top AFL teams in Melbourne and Sydney, was banned for three years.