Police investigating punch during country footy game

Police investigate punch during country football match in WAPosted Mon 27 Jul 2026 at 7:49pmMon 27 Jul 2026 at 7:49pmIn short:A man in his 20s is recovering after being punched in the head at a country football game in WA.The player was knocked unconscious during the weekend game between Bridgetown and Kojonup in WA's Lower South West Football League.What's next?Police are investigating the incident and the offending player has been referred to the Country Football WA tribunal process.An on-field punch during a country football game that left a player in hospital has sparked a police investigation.The incident occurred on Sunday in Kojonup, about 260 kilometres south of Perth, during a clash between the hometown Tigers and Bridgetown Bulldogs in WA's Lower South West Football League.Footage of the game shows a Bridgetown player running up behind a Kojonup player before punching them in the side of the head.The Kojonup player falls to the ground and the Bridgetown player runs off to continue play.A WA Police spokesperson said the victim, aged in his 20s, was threatened and assaulted while taking part in the game."The victim lost consciousness during the incident and sustained facial injuries," the spokesperson said.Police said the man was taken to Kojonup Hospital, where his injuries were treated.A spokesperson from the Lower South West Football League told the ABC it was aware of the incident."The matter has been referred to the Country Football WA tribunal process and will be dealt with in accordance with the applicable rules and procedures," the spokesperson said.The league would not comment further, in order to "preserve the integrity and fairness of the tribunal process".The Bridgetown Football Club said it would not comment until the league and Country Football WA finalised their investigations.The Kojonup Football Club has been contacted for comment.The police spokesperson said the investigation was ongoing and that anyone with footage or other information around the incident should make contact with police.