Detectives investigating serious assault in Upper Great Southern Football League reserves clash in Katanning

Detectives are investigating a serious assault that left a young man with a broken jaw during an Upper Great Southern Football League reserves match in Katanning. Police say the man — a Katanning Wanderers player — was on the field about 1pm on May 30 when he was approached by an opposition player and struck to the right side of the face. The victim, believed to be 21 years old, sustained a broken jaw which required surgery and the insertion of a metal plate in Perth. The game was played between Katanning and ladder leaders Brookton-Pingelly, with Katanning running out winners 12.13 (85) to 7.11 (53). Detective Acting Inspector Darryl Noye said the man reported the “off-the-ball” assault to police after he returned home from Perth. “We are dealing with grievous bodily harm. It is a serious offence,” he said. “While we expect there to be some contact in footy, nobody wants to see anyone participating in the sport go to hospital to seek medical treatment for what could be permanent injury.” UGSFL president Tim Cowcher confirmed that no players were reported in the reserves match in question. “The UGSFL will await the outcome of the police investigation and go from there,” Mr Cowcher said. “There was no report made on the day, there was nothing noted on the match report sheet. “We will help police with anything we can.” Albany detectives would like to speak to anyone who witnessed the incident. Information can be provided through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or by making a report online.