UPDATE: Police are investigating a series of incidents which left a Cairnlea Football Club volunteer losing “a portion” of his nose following a dog attack.
Police are also looking into an alleged brawl involving up to 100 people during a Cairnlea FC v Altona Magic State League 1 fixture at Kevin Flint Memorial Reserve, Cairnlea, on Saturday.
A police spokesperson confirmed an incident involving “a lot of pushing and shoving with several punches thrown” while two victims received several scratch wounds.
But Cairnlea Football Club president Yagiz Adal said reports were completely incorrect and the use of the word brawl was “ridiculous terminology”.
He believed it was simply “innocent bystanders watching a push-and-shove incident between two fools”.
“It’s just ridiculous,” he said. “I don’t call them supporters either.”
Mr Adal confirmed a CFC volunteer had part of his nose bitten off by a pit bull terrier about 5pm following an incident near the club rooms.
“He was sitting outside the club rooms. I didn’t witness the incident but going by what was reported he bent down to pick something up near the dog and it lunged at him,” he said.
“I just visited him this morning [Tuesday], he’s in a bad state, he’s very upset, he’s devastated, the club is devastated. He lost a portion of his nose, he’ll have further surgery in a few weeks.
“I have never seen anything like it in my life, never want to see it again.”
Mr Adal, who is pushing to have dogs banned from the ground on match days, made a statement to Brimbank council on Tuesday about the dog attack.
“We are very, very concerned, we have 300 kids of all ages at the club,” he said.
One nearby concerned resident who wished to remain anonymous told the Star Weekly as many as eight police vans arrived at the ground.
“I have two kids and I feel too intimidated to go down there,” he said. “There are always broken bottles, there are a few safety issues.”
Mr Adal said he bore no ill feeling to opposing side Altona Magic: “They are a great club.”
A Football Federation Victoria spokesperson said it was investigating the alleged incidents.
“We are concerned to hear of the allegations raised and treat matters of misconduct seriously,” she said.
“If the allegations are found to be proven, we are committed to ensuring that misconduct incidents are dealt with decisively.
“As the matter is currently being investigated it is not appropriate for FFV to comment any further at this stage.”
A member of the Altona Magic Soccer Club posted on his facebook page: “Brawl was internal nothing to do with Magic supporters” while another described it as a “big fight”.
Brimbank council Director City Development Stuart Menzies the unregistered dog would remain property of council until the investigation was completed.
“Interviews have been conducted with the victim and the dog owner, and further interviews are to take place with witnesses.
“If anyone witnessed the incident, they are encouraged to contact Council’s City Compliance Department on 9249 4000.
“After viewing the dog in question, Council Officers are of the opinion that it is not a restricted breed dog.
“The dog was not registered. After a discussion between the owner and Council Officers, the owner has agreed that Council retain custody of the dog while the investigation continues.”
