Police are investigating an incident involving players and spectators at a Heathcote District Football League under-18 game on Saturday morning.
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Umpires were forced to call the match off between Heathcote and North Bendigo under-18s at Heathcote's Barrack Reserve after a brawl broke out on the ground involving players and spectators.
The Bendigo Advertiser understands the fight started away from the ball and involved players from both sides, before spectators entered the field.
"Officers were called to the High Street reserve about 11.30am following reports of a brawl between players and spectators,'' a Victoria Police statement said.
"Officers spoke to several witnesses at the scene and are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.
"Anyone who witnessed the incident is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000."
Ambulance Victoria spokesman John Mullen confirmed paramedics attended to a man in his 20s, who was treated for facial injuries and transported to Bendigo Hospital in a stable condition.
Read more: The latest HDFNL news
HDFNL chairman Peter Cole said the league and the clubs involved were co-operating with police.
He said the league and clubs would not comment publicly about the incident until the police investigation was complete.
He said the league had put counselling services in place for players from both clubs to utilise.
"It's important we support these kids because a game of football is an environment where they should feel safe,'' Cole said.
Heathcote was leading the game 4.8 (32) to 3.6 (24) when the incident occured.
The match was officiated by representatives from both clubs.
Cole praised the club umpires for the way they handled the situation.
"The umpires did the right thing by calling the game off straight away,'' he said.
"They handled a tough situation as well as they possibly could."
Read more: Catch up on the latest local footy news
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