A country football match in Western Australia has led to criminal charges after authorities say one player allegedly assaulted an opponent during a game that quickly got out of hand.
Videos by FanBuzz
Police have charged a 23-year-old Bridgetown Bulldogs player with assault causing bodily harm and impeding another person's breathing or blood circulation by applying pressure to the neck following Sunday's Lower South West Football League matchup against the Kojonup Cougars.
Video from the game, which circulated online, prompted a police investigation.
Authorities allege the player was involved in two separate incidents during the contest, including one in which an opposing player was knocked unconscious. The injured player suffered facial injuries and a concussion but is recovering, according to Kojonup Football Club vice president Matt Marinoni.
"It was a tense and fiery game that turned ugly," Marinoni told ABC.
Western Australia Police Commissioner Col Blanch said players are not exempt from criminal laws simply because they're on a playing field.
"We understand there are normal contacts in the spirit of play," Blanch said. "But if it is outside of play and a deliberate targeted attack, then it is an assault."
The Lower South West Football League said the matter has also been referred to the Country Football WA tribunal.
Meanwhile, the Bridgetown Football Club said it "does not condone the behaviour shown during Sunday's game," adding that the incident "has no place in football and does not reflect the true values of our club."
The player is scheduled to appear in court in August.
