Herald Sun |
POLICE have called for witnesses after a footballer was kicked in the head during a wild brawl at a country football match in north east Victoria.

The mum of injured Dederang Mt Beauty player David Cooper said she feared he could lose sight or even an eye after being booted in the face behind play in a heated match at the weekend.

Mr Cooper had to be helped from the field and rushed to hospital where his eye was stitched up after a boot stud smashed into his face while he was at the bottom of a pack of brawling players.

About 14 players were involved in the brawl during a Tallangatta and District League reserves clash between Dederang Mt Beauty and Mitta United at Dederang on Saturday.

Mr Cooper told police he was convinced he had been purposely kicked in the head by an opponent but was unable to identify the attacker.

He yesterday chose not to speak publicly about his injuries but his mum Sue said it was serious.

''He said another player was punching him and then he saw the boot coming towards his face,'' she said.

''He knew it was deliberate and he doesn't want that person to play football again.

''He could still lose his eye - it's very bad.''

Police have so far interviewed about 30 spectators in a bid to find Mr Cooper's attacker and held both teams back after the match to discuss how serious the alleged assault was.

Dederang policeman Craig Lee was called to the ground by supporters fearing for player's safety.

He said he was shocked by the severity of the clash.

''Obviously things can get a bit heated on the field but they shouldn't go this far,'' he said.

''We're pretty concerned about it and that's why we're actively investigating it.''

Leading Sen-Constable Lee said spectators had told him the brawl had been ''pretty nasty''.

''It was behind play, there was an initial blue between two players but the all-in melee has happened after that,'' he said.

''The boot stopper has hit him right in the eye.''

Mr Cooper was treated at the scene by ambulance employees before being taken to Wodonga Hospital where mud was removed from his eye and the wound was stitched.

Dederang Mt Beauty and Mitta United officials did not respond by deadline.

Police have not ruled out laying charges.

Anyone with information can call Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000.

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Originally published as Cops called after wild footy oval brawl