Weekly Times | A MAN has been charged with manslaughter following the death of Darren Bell at a Heywood football match on Saturday.
Emergency services were called to Heywood Recreation Reserve on Edgar St at around 5.30pm, following a report of an alleged assault.
Bell, who died at the scene, was the brother of Heywood club president Michael Bell.
A 45-year-old Portland man was scheduled to appear in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court this afternoon.
The Heywood Football Club is rallying behind its president and his family following the death of his brother.
Earlier this week, Heywood vice-president Tim Gray said everyone at the South West District league club was in shock over the death.
“Our club is just feeling for that whole family and under these tough circumstances we’re 100 per cent behind the family and all those that are involved in this incident,” he said.
Gray said the Bells were two of nine siblings who had all been involved in the football club in some capacity.
AFL Western District region general manager Lachy Patterson said the commission would provide support to the club and wider community where it was needed.
“It’s a tragic incident that will no doubt have a big impact on a small community,” Patterson said.
“The football community is a tight-knit one. No doubt they will help each other through what is a tragic incident and I know the leaders of the club … are doing a fantastic job of keeping everyone together.”