Northern Territory Police were alerted to a public disturbance that occurred during a sporting carnival following an altercation between players and spectators in Papunya on 29 September.

“An off-duty Police officer witnessed the incident and reported that between 100 and 150 people were involved in the disturbance.

“One person was flown to Alice Springs with non-life threatening injuries,” said Acting Superintendent Michael Potts.

Additional officers were deployed to Papunya to assist local Police.

“Investigations into the circumstances are ongoing, and Police have one man in custody who is assisting us with our enquiries.

“It is disappointing to see this type of behaviour occurring at an event that was designed to bring communities together in a spirit of healthy competition.”