The NRL has come down hard on a Parramatta fan who hit another man in the face during Easter Monday’s clash with Wests Tigers, handing him a two-year ban.
Vision appeared online shortly after the Eels’ 36-22 win over the Tigers at Stadium Australia on Monday showing an altercation between fans not known to each other.
In the sickening footage, one man approaches another who is sitting down in the stands, striking him in the face and igniting an altercation between several people before security intervened.
The NRL said on Thursday that the man was then involved in an altercation with NSW Police after he was escorted from the ground.
The proposed ban is for a minimum of two years, excluding the man from any NRL fixture in Australia and New Zealand.
“The NRL has a zero tolerance approach to any fan who engages in violence or abuse at NRL games,” a statement read.
“The individual has been advised of his rights to respond to the banning notice.”
It comes after the 25-year-old was issued a 12-month ban from Olympic Park by NSW Police and issued infringement notices for offensive behaviour.
He is also alleged to have damaged a boom gate as he ran from police outside the stadium.
“Following a short foot pursuit, police stopped the man,” a NSW Police statement read.
“OC spray was deployed after he allegedly raised a traffic pole above the head of a male senior constable.
“He was re-arrested and taken to Auburn Police Station where he was charged with resist officer in execution of duty, assault officer in execution of duty, destroy or damage property, and two counts of common assault.”