Weekly Times | A SPECTATOR who died after an alleged assault at a football match in the state’s southwest was the brother of the home club’s president.
Homicide detectives are investigating the alleged fatal assault, which occurred after a South West District Football League match on Saturday between the Heywood Lions and Portland-based Westerns.
Several club sources said the dead man was Darren Bell, who was the brother of Heywood club president, Michael Bell.
They say a disagreement between Mr Bell and another home spectator got out of hand before ending in tragic consequences.
South West District Football Netball League administrator Chrissy Hawker said the thoughts of everyone at the league was with the deceased man’s family.
“It’s important to stress that this wasn’t a football incident and it occurred about an hour after the game had finished,” she said.
“All I would say is the majority of players had left the area by that time.
“The league would like to extend its condolences to the family concerned.”
Heywood vice-president Tim Gray said the “tragic event” had rocked the tight-knit community of 1300 residents.
“Everyone at the club would like to pass on our deepest sympathies to the families involved in this tragic event,” Mr Gray said.
Westerns senior vice-president Peter Keem said the club was shocked to learn of the spectator’s death upon arriving home in Portland.
“There was absolutely no involvement with any members of the Westerns and all our players and spectators had left the ground,” Mr Keem said.
“All the clubs in the league are pretty tight knit and family orientated.
“There really are no winners in a situation like this.”
Emergency services were called to Heywood Recreation Reserve on Edgar St about 5.30pm on Saturday after a report an alleged assault had left one man unconscious.
Spectators performed CPR before paramedics arrived, but he could not be revived and died at the scene.
Ambulance Victoria spokesman John Mullen said the man, aged in his 40s, went into cardiac arrest after he was knocked down.
He said the air ambulance was paged but was unavailable due to poor weather conditions at the time.
A local cafe worker said the man’s death was “devastating for the community”.
The tragedy happened just a week after Otway Districts Football Club captain Aaron Mahoney, 24, died after collapsing on field at Gellibrand Recreation Reserve.
Heywood won the seniors game 120-24.
No arrests have been made and police are appealing for witnesses.
Anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
