Bairnsdale Advertiser | The Omeo District Football Netball League (ODFNL) was forced to abandon the final round fixed between Bruthen and Swan Reach for safety reasons, with fears the venue for the match – the Bruthen Recreation Reserve – would become the host of violent retribution between two families connected to the clubs.

The dispute between has allegedly been going on for several months and is being closely monitored by a number of parties, including the Victoria Police and the Bairnsdale Secondary College.

After consultation with Victoria Police, the ODFNL member clubs voted 6-0 to abandon the match after it became apparent that large groups of people were set to congregate at the venue with the purpose of fighting.

Victoria Police was unable to supply officers to attend the venue, but had suggested that they would offer regular patrols as part of their normal shifts.

The ODFNL, led by president, Ray Gallagher, was left with no choice but to abandon the match.

“The decision stemmed for a feud in the community. Police have been excellent in advice and support. The intel provided was that they were going to use the venue as a place to sort out the dispute,” Gallagher said.

“It’s purely for safety, we just couldn’t play. It’s predominately an out of football thing and its very hard to manage.”

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