Former Manly premiership player Owen Cunningham was caught up in the violent brawl that marred Friday’s opening night of Magic Round, reports Michael Chammas for the Sydney Morning Herald.
The incident – which occurred while the Broncos met Manly – was captured on several phone cameras and circulated across social media, showing several fights breaking out between fans within the western stand at Suncorp Stadium.
Subsequently, three people involved were evicted from the game by police and slapped with fines for disorderly conduct.
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In a video shared by 9News reporter Mark Gottlieb on Twitter, fans wearing jerseys to support multiple different teams were involved, with one spectator falling backwards over several rows of seats after being struck in the head.
Spotfires then broke out between several other fans.
According to the Herald, Cunningham’s son Ethan was attacked by a group of men during the match, finishing the night in hospital with facial fractures.
Owen and his other son jumped in to protect Ethan and his partner.
Cunningham, who was wearing a sling having recently undergone shoulder surgery, was seen protecting his face during the ugly ordeal.
“My oldest boy Ethan was sitting with his girlfriend and they were making some derogatory comments towards her,” Cunningham told News Corp.
“Then it started and my bloke got kinged (king hit) between the eyes. It was shocking.”
Cunningham played 276 first grade after making his debut in 1985.
He also featured at Origin level for the Queensland Maroons.
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