Tish
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- Location
- Rural N.S.W. Australia
A community rugby league game in NSW was been suspended after police uncovered threats of gang violence at matches.
On Thursday, a statement from the general manager of the Penrith and District Junior Rugby League (PDJRL) Nathan Mairleitner, advised members that NSW Police could cancel matches where they discover evidence of potential behavior, including group chats where threats involving weapons at games are made, that could compromise the safety of players, staff or spectators.
This comes as an adult match between the Londonderry and St Pats teams was canceled last weekend.
“Please note: The NSW Police Force will be cancelling matches across the state from this weekend where intelligence suggests everyone’s safety is compromised,” the statement read.
“(Police) want clubs to understand when clubs know about conversations or group chats in and around playing groups, they must report it to the PDJRL and police.
“As we all can appreciate, the NSWPF, NSWRL, and PDJRL will not tolerate threats of violence, intimidation or acts of violence including affray which are all serious criminal offenses.”
The letter stated that names of players who have been found making threats or plans to instigate on-field violence will be identified to clubs, who will be contacted directly.
Mr. Mairleitner also added players, coaches, parents, and spectators “found to be involved in organizing acts of violence” will be given the strongest sanction of removal from the competition.
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On Thursday, a statement from the general manager of the Penrith and District Junior Rugby League (PDJRL) Nathan Mairleitner, advised members that NSW Police could cancel matches where they discover evidence of potential behavior, including group chats where threats involving weapons at games are made, that could compromise the safety of players, staff or spectators.
This comes as an adult match between the Londonderry and St Pats teams was canceled last weekend.
“Please note: The NSW Police Force will be cancelling matches across the state from this weekend where intelligence suggests everyone’s safety is compromised,” the statement read.
“(Police) want clubs to understand when clubs know about conversations or group chats in and around playing groups, they must report it to the PDJRL and police.
“As we all can appreciate, the NSWPF, NSWRL, and PDJRL will not tolerate threats of violence, intimidation or acts of violence including affray which are all serious criminal offenses.”
The letter stated that names of players who have been found making threats or plans to instigate on-field violence will be identified to clubs, who will be contacted directly.
Mr. Mairleitner also added players, coaches, parents, and spectators “found to be involved in organizing acts of violence” will be given the strongest sanction of removal from the competition.
Full Story
