The NRL has launched an investigation into an incident involving a supporter who threw a projectile in the direction of a touch judge at CommBank Stadium on Friday night.
Vision captured by Nine cameras and obtained by this masthead shows the fan, dressed in black, hurling what appears to be a bottle towards match official Matt Noyen after Broncos centre Selwyn Cobbo scored at the southern end of the ground in the 58th minute.
The NRL started a probe into claims Rabbitohs stars Latrell Mitchell and Cody Walker were racially abused by crowd members.
Referee Gerard Sutton was overheard on Sports Ears informing the NRL Bunker that Noyen had narrowly avoided being hit by the object.
A spokesperson for Venues NSW confirmed they were aware of the incident and conducting inquiries. The NRL ground manager also confirmed on the night they were studying all available CCTV footage.
The incident comes less than a month after two off-duty police officers were banned from attending Allianz Stadium, Accor Stadium and CommBank Stadium after they threw a projectile at referee Ashley Klein as he came from the field following Melbourne’s win over the Roosters on April 18.
More than 130,000 fans are expected to pack into Suncorp Stadium across three days for Magic Round this weekend, and the NRL is backing fans to be on their best behaviour.
“Attending a rugby league match is a weekly highlight for fans and families,” CEO Andrew Abdo told this masthead on Monday.
“We want a positive, welcoming and respectful environment for everyone. Anti-social or abusive behaviour at NRL matches will not be tolerated.
“Fans need to know they are subject to the spectator code of conduct at all matches, which is available on our website.”
Over the weekend, world No. 1 Novak Djokovic was hit in the head by a bottle that accidentally fell from the crowd during a match in Italy.
