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Violent country football grand finals

Shocking footage has emerged of a player allegedly being king-hit during a football grand final at Port Pirie on Saturday.

The video was shot on the same day and at the same oval where a veteran umpire was allegedly punched during a three-quarter-time break.

In the video, one player stands back watching as a fight breaks out in the goal square when he is allegedly punched in the face, leaving him concussed.

The South Augusta player was suspended for two matches for the incident.

In the very next match, umpire Paul Fitzgerald was allegedly punched in the face during the three-quarter time break.

“This person came up to the huddle and he asked me, said ‘You Fitzy?’, I said “yeah mate’ and he just king hit me,” said Mr Fitzgerald.

He was umpiring the Spencer Gulf Football League grand final between Solomontown and South Augusta.

The 56-year-old suffered a fractured eye socket and nose.

Police say a 35-year-old Port Pirie man has been charged with assault causing harm over the alleged incident.

He has been bailed to appear in Court at a later date.

Mr Fitzgerald today travelled to Adelaide to visit a plastic surgeon about his injuries.

“It makes me wary of whether I can go back of not because I am going to be jumping shadows,” he said.

“I’m going to be worried if someone comes on the ground…am I going to get king hit again?”

Premier Jay Weatherill today announced the state government would be holding a community forum in Port Pirie to address the issue of violence in the town.

“There has been a disturbing trend of alcohol-related incidents and violence, including the alleged assault of a football umpire this weekend, which has the community very concerned,” Mr Weatherill said.

A Government Minister will attend the forum which is to be held at 7pm on October 10 at the Keith Mitchell Theatre, Port Pirie.