The Lake Nash Bats could be kicked out of the AFL Mount Isa competition after officials and fans assaulted umpires on Saturday.

The violence escalated after the final siren of the grand final, won by the Tigers in an upset, however the trouble was brewing well before then.

Spectators wandered onto the field multiple times, interacting with players, while at half-time, coaches from Lake Nash approached the umpires, demanding that one of them excuse themselves from the rest of the match.

The umpires stood firm and were able to officiate the rest of the game, albeit to the chorus of foul language for every decision that went against the Bats.

Vocal threats turned physical when the game ended, with both the umpires and Tigers players in the firing line.

AFL Mount Isa had enlisted paid security officers to attend the game, but they were of no use as hundreds stormed the field.

The league confirmed to North West Weekly it was investigating the incident before taking action.

In a statement, AFL Queensland said it would back the local competition’s committee.

“AFL Mount Isa is looking into what occurred, with support from AFL Queensland,” a spokesperson said.

“AFL Queensland, after speaking with members of the AFL Mount Isa board, are aware of an incident that occurred.

“The actions and behaviour of a number of people post-siren were extremely disappointing.

“There is no place for violence in our game at any level, on either side of the fence.

“The safety and experience of everyone involved – including players, umpires, spectators and officials – is of paramount importance in our game.”

In a statement on Facebook, AFL Mount Isa’s Natasha Horwood apologised to those who attended the grand final.

“On behalf of the Mount Isa AFL, I’d like to apologise to everyone that witnessed the very disappointing actions of a few,” she wrote.

“A very big sorry to the umpires, what happened is extremely unacceptable and no one should ever have to be treated that way.

“Today was a great day tainted by a few.

“We’re here to play football. Unfortunately, at the end of the day, not everyone can win.

“Violence is definitely not the answer and is not going to change the outcome of the game.”

North West Weekly understands Lake Nash will either be booted from the competition or be given a show-cause notice.

The Bats, who travel from the Northern Territory each Saturday, would then have to argue their case to remain in the competition.

It’s not the first time the club has found itself in hot water.

Lake Nash was banned from the 2020 AFL Mount Isa season after an incident the previous year where the Bats were “found guilty of having partaken in socially unacceptable behaviours” in a preliminary final.

This article appeared in North West Weekly, 8 September 2022.