Miranda police have vowed to take a hard-line approach against violence at sporting games after a female officer was punched.
Police were managing the crowd at Southern Cross Group Stadium during the Sharks vs Dragons game earlier this month when they saw a fight break out between two men.
As they tried to separate the pair, a female police officer was punched in the face several times.
She suffered bruising and redness to her cheek and ear.
The incident has cemented the partnership between police and the Cronulla Sharks to fight against alcohol-related crime.
Miranda Police Chief Inspector Rick Johnson said police would work with the NRL team to reduce these types of incidents.
That includes more mid-strength beer outlets throughout the ground, further education on responsible service of alcohol and identifying trouble makers who could potentially be banned from future games.
"Violence at any sporting event is totally unacceptable, let alone the drunken assault of a police officer,’’ he said.
‘’Let me make it clear we want people and their families to feel safe and enjoy the game, but police are not there to be punching bags for drunken supporters and we will act immediately by arresting these people and putting them before the courts.
‘’We make no apologies for this.
‘’We will support the Sharks in their efforts to make their home games a safe and family friendly experience."
Cronulla Sharks chief executive Lyall Gorman echoed those sentiments.
"We are working together with the police to ensure our venue delivers an exciting, yet safe, family friendly event,’’ he said.
‘’Our club has a zero tolerance to any form of anti-social behaviour and as such, will look to restrict access to any patron who exhibits that type of conduct.
‘’Our focus for all who attend a Cronulla Sharks home game is to have a fun, entertaining and memorable experience and we will continue to work with the police, our security team and our members and fans to ensure this is achieved.’’
