My Brain Snap

Newcastle Herald

Tuesday June 14, 2005

By AARON PARNELL

DANNY Woods doesn't remember much about his "brain explosion" at EnergyAustralia Stadium on Saturday night.

He knows that his much-loved Knights were down 44-0, and he remembers the "depressing" sight of recently resigned football manager Mark Sargent sitting forlornly on the sideline.

"I admit I'd had a few [beers]," the Hamilton South father of two, part-time music teacher and junior soccer coach said yesterday.

Continued Page 2

"This [the alcohol] and all those other depressing factors helped me do something I will regret for the rest of my life."

Fan regrets moment of madness at Knights game

From Page 1

Mr Woods, 37, remembers little of running onto the field, shaping to tackle several Parramatta players and throwing his beer down in disgust as the Eels scored their eighth try on the full-time siren.

"There was a feeling of disappointment in the crowd because it was our 12th straight loss," an embarrassed and remorseful Mr Woods said.

"To find out the club you've loved and supported since day one could go bankrupt next week and end just like that is pretty depressing.

"And seeing Mark Sargent as a lone figure on the sideline, not being part of the club he put so much of his blood, sweat and tears into probably didn't help that feeling either."

Today Mr Woods is facing a lifetime ban from attending National Rugby League matches and a $500 police fine, which pales in comparison with the $5500 fines for "invading" such arenas as the Sydney Cricket Ground and Telstra Stadium.

Chairman of the Newcastle stadium's trust Ted Atchison confirmed yesterday that the trust was considering matching those fines for fans invading future Knights games.

Knights chief executive Ken Conway said he would "hear everybody's side of the story before we make a decision" on a ban.

"When the man concerned ran onto the field security was getting ready to escort the referees from the field, so I don't think our security is lacking," he said yesterday.

Police said they had spoken to Mr Woods but would not take action until they had met Knights officials.

Mr Woods, his broken ankle in a cast, was on the ground for 30 seconds before he was grabbed by a Knights trainer.

He doesn't remember telling the trainer and a police officer "well, someone's gotta make a tackle", a statement overheard by Parramatta players.

"What happened on Saturday is not in my nature," he said. "I teach and offer support to kids who have behavioural problems and coach junior soccer.

"[On Sunday] I sat down with my family and decided that I will never drink alcohol again. My actions have not only embarrassed my family, it has embarrassed the club and its fans."

Mr Woods has emailed the club an apology in which he offers to clean the field after home games for the rest of the year or be a tackling bag for players.

© 2005 Newcastle Herald

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