Knights pitch invader pledges penance
By Aaron Parnell
June 14, 2005
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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" image of the team's recently resigned football manager, Mark Sargent, on a forlorn bench.
But the 37-year-old father of two from Hamilton South remembers little of running out onto the field - which he managed despite nursing a recently broken ankle - shaping to tackle several Parramatta players and throwing his beer down in disgust as the Eels hammered down their eighth try of the night.
"There was a feeling of disappointment in the crowd because it was our 12th straight loss," an embarrassed and remorseful Woods said yesterday.
"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. I admit I'd had a few [beers]. This [the alcohol] and all those other depressing factors helped me do something I will regret for the rest of my life."
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AdvertisementYesterday Woods was facing a lifetime ban on attending NRL matches and a $500 police fine.
Knights CEO Ken Conway said he would "hear everybody's side of the story before we make a decision" on the matter.
"When the man concerned ran onto the field, security was getting ready to escort the referees [off], so I don't think our security is lacking," he said yesterday.
Police said they would not be taking any further action until they spoke to Knights club officials today.
Woods said his actions were "uncharacteristic".
The part-time music teacher spent about 30 seconds on the ground before being grabbed by a Knights trainer.
He doesn't remember telling the trainer and an arresting police officer, "Well, someone's gotta make a tackle", a claim overheard by several of the Parramatta players.
Woods said the memory "blackout" had concerned him.
"What happened on Saturday is not in my nature," he said.
"I teach and offer support to kids who have behavioral 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.
"All I can do is apologise to my family, the Knights and their fans for what I've done. It was totally unacceptable and I will regret it for the rest of my life."
Woods has since emailed an apology to the Knights.
In it, he offers to clean the field after every Knights home game for the rest of the year or become a tackling bag for any players wanting to vent their anger as part of a punishment which he said he deserved.
Newcastle Herald
