GROUP Seven Rugby League has charged a number of spectators from the Stingrays of Shellharbour and Albion Park-Oak Flats Eagles clubs following an alleged off-field brawl at Flinders Field on Sunday.
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The alleged brawl occurred in the undercover section of the Flinders Field facility, after an on-field head clash between Stingrays pair Zaan Weatherall and Anthony Nabbe.
Both players were taken to hospital following the clash, while the match was held up for more than half an hour.
It is understood comments on the sideline may have sparked the alleged brawl.
A number of players were seen leaving the field and approaching the incident but there are no suggestions any players were involved in the altercation between a number of spectators.
Group Seven Rugby League, in response, held "inquiry sessions" on both Tuesday and Wednesday nights, to establish the best course of action.
A number of individuals charged following the investigation by Group Seven have until 2pm Monday (August 3) appeal the decision.
"We are also looking at penalising the clubs involved and working through that right now, this includes a strategy to ensure this does not happen again," said Group Seven operations manager Debbie Rowley.
"We are taking it extremely seriously and will not hesitate to call off games if people are not doing the right thing and this includes clubs and spectators adhering to their COVID-19 plans and social distancing requirements.
"We cannot send out a stronger message that any anti-social behaviour or breaching of the COVID-19 laws will not be tolerated at Group Seven."
Another issue that arose at Flinders Field on Sunday was the lack of social distancing present - which resulted in the police turning up to the venue.
"I went to Kevin Walsh Oval on Saturday and Flinders Field on Sunday and both were eye-opening for me," said Group Seven president Scott McLaurin, who's committee is working hard to enforce the social distancing laws.
"At both venues it rained, which saw all the supporters cram under the cover to try and stay dry, which means the social distancing rules were out the window.
"The whole group, me included, learnt a lot from the weekend's matches and believe me, we have to put strategies in place to ensure those type of situations don't arise again.
"It might get to a point where certain venues can't host games when it's raining, because of the social distancing laws.
"All the clubs have been made aware of the severity of the situation and know they can't allow it to happen anymore.
"It might get to a point where people can only sit where stickers are marked out or where there is certain fencing, to ensure the competition can keep going with fans in attendance."
The Stingrays was already on a two-year good behaviour bond from Group Seven, following an off-field altercation between them and Warilla-Lake South in 2018 - meaning they have forfeited that $2000.