City lacrosse brawl probed Following junior game last weekend

A Shamrock player heads for the goal last night at Century Arena. (JASON HALSTEAD/SUN MEDIA)

The Manitoba Lacrosse Association (MLA) is probing a brawl that occurred following a junior lacrosse game between two Winnipeg clubs last weekend.

MLA executive director Laralie Higginson did not disclose specific details, but said the incident happened Sunday when the visiting Falcons defeated the Shamrocks at Keith Bodley Arena in St. James.

The brawl is the second case of violence in local amateur sports in as many weeks.

Frustration and anger apparently boiled over at game's end when players from both teams exchanged punches, and two or more adults joined the melee.

According to witness accounts, a parent intervened when his son's teammate appeared to be outnumbered in the fight.  The dad grabbed an opposing player, causing that player's dad to confront him.

UPSET OVER COLLISION

Players were apparently upset with the game's officiating. Adding to their frustration, one man told Sun Media, a Falcons player collided with the Shamrocks' female goaltender during the B League match.

Several league and team officials declined comment.

Suspensions have not been levied. Fighting is not allowed in the league. A fight that occurs under normal circumstances results in a five-minute penalty, game misconduct, and one-game suspension.

Junior division players are 17 to 21 years old and, for the most part, male.

On its website, MLA states it has asked Winnipeg Minor Lacrosse Association to submit "a report of all actions that took place during and after this game." The report is due today.

MLA asked witnesses to each provide a written report before Wednesday.

"The MLA does not and will not tolerate any actions of this nature," the website reads.

Sunday's incident happened days after police were called May 24 to a soccer pitch behind Tec Voc High School, where players from Gordon Bell High School allegedly attacked and chased a referee during a playoff semifinal against Churchill High School.

The players were apparently upset over several penalty calls they believed were unwarranted. Churchill was leading at the time of the fight and awarded the win. The incident is under review.