Andrew Tuck was spat at by a spectator following a fight between players in the Berwick-ROC clash.
By Gavin Staindl and Peter Sweeney
THE nephew of VFL/AFL games record holder Michael Tuck was spat at during a fiery clash between Berwick and Rythdale Officer Cardinia on Saturday.
Andrew Tuck, a former captain of Berwick who recently returned to the Navy Blues after a short break, was spat at by a spectator after players from both sides fought on the ground in front of the clubrooms shortly before half-time at the Officer Recreation Reserve.
The fighting spilled into the crowd and Tuck was spat at as he walked away following the on-field incident. Spectators became embroiled in a heated clash of words, which was described as having the potential to “get out of hand.”
Berwick Football Club president Cliff Donegan demanded immediate action – and he got it.
The ROC follower apologised to both clubs for his actions at half-time. It is understood Berwick will also ask him to apologise to Tuck.
“To his credit, the man came into the rooms at half time, apologised and is genuinely remorseful,” Donegan said.
“He has been a coach and a runner and said he had a ‘brain snap’.
“I didn’t see it (the incident), but it was brought to my attention. Things happen and you get crap between spectators but I’ve never heard of anyone spitting.
“I’m not saying it doesn’t happen, but from my experience, I haven’t heard of it.”
Donegan said the crowd reaction could have been sparked by the on-field fight “lasting too long.”
“The umpires should have got the ball going earlier. If they got it moving, then it would have cleared up a lot quicker,” Donegan added.
Angelo Koutsourakis, a Devon Meadows under-18 player, was last week outed for three matches for spitting on an opponent.
“He hit me in the face during a tackle, and I went up to him and said a few things, then he spat at me,” Pakenham’s James Smith said.
“He spat at me in the face.
“I walked off and told the umpire and he got sent off.
“It was a pretty feral thing to do, but it didn’t bother me too much. I just kept playing.”
