Police chase ’footy thugs’

A GROUP of players from a northern Geelong football club assaulted three people “without provocation” early Sunday morning, according to police.
Sergeant Aaron Riches told the Independent a 20-year-old victim received serious injuries requiring hospital treatment after being punched in the face “without rhyme or reason”.
About six players were reportedly involved in the assaults after being refused entry to several nightclubs due to their behaviour and attire.
“The first incident occurred about 2am at the front of Home House nightclub where players seemingly for no reason assaulted two bystanders and a security guard. We’d love to hear from anyone who saw that incident,” Sgt Riches said.
“The offenders were Caucasian males aged between 18 and 22 with brown to light-brown hair.”
Sgt Riches said the alleged offenders then went to Little Malop St where they were refused entry to three nightclubs.
Within two minutes of inflicting serious injuries on the 20-year-old at the corner of Shorts Pl and Little Malop St they attacked another man in Moorabool St who was with his partner.
“It was just wayward aggression. There were three or four aggressors of that group of six,” Sgt Riches said.
Police had identified one member of the group but were reviewing CCTV footage for more information.
Sgt Riches encouraged witnesses or anyone with information to phone Geelong Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
A recently-introduced police crackdown imposed fines of at least $600 and a 12-month Geelong Liquor Licence Accord Ban or a court summons on anyone performing “riotous behaviour” including fighting, acts of aggression and disorderly conduct.
“The days of throwing a punch are over,” Sgt Riches said.
“We’re adamant we will apply this in every instance to try to stop any violent behaviour and make people feel safe in the CBD.”