A soccer match, an important fixture in the race for the 1976 championship, came to a 20-minute halt when police were called to Narrabundah Oval during the weekend game, reported in The Canberra Times 45 years ago.
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During a game between West Woden Juventus and Downer Olympics, the spectators had invaded the field.
The riot was sparked by an order that a penalty kick be retaken by Juventus after the first kick by Walter Valeri had gone over the crossbar.
A linesman ruled that the Olympic goalkeeper had moved before the kick was taken.
Players from both sides had formed a ring to protect the referee from angry spectators.
A linesman was kicked as he left the ground for safety of the dressing rooms.
In the melee that followed, at least 100 spectators ran on to the field.
Once the field was cleared and the game resumed, Juventus scored its third goal from the retaken penalty.
Two Olympic players were sent off in separate incidents.
One Olympic player was "booked" for arguing with the referee over the penalty.
Juventus won 3-0.
See trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/110816904
