The on-field tension between Wangaratta and North Albury in a replay of last year’s grand final threatened to spill off-field at the Norm Minns Oval on Saturday with harsh words spoken between opposition supporters.

While unable to comment on any specific incident, O’Connor said there was no place for poor crowd behaviour within the O and M.

“It’s the club’s venue for the day during the minor rounds and it’s the clubs’ responsibility to ensure the safety of their patrons,” he said.

“That includes dealing with the incidents that do occur in the crowd and to ensure that people are there to enjoy the footy and have a good day out. From the league’s point of view if we’re finding that it is happening on a regular basis, we’ll be looking to do something to combat that.

“But from what I’ve seen this year it has been great.”

Wangaratta president Paul Challman admitted tempers had become frayed in the outer but maintained he had seen nothing untoward.

“I didn’t see anything myself, I think it’s just time to move on now that they have had the rematch,” Challman said.

“Supporters were a little bit angry — yes — but I didn’t see or hear of any problems apart from a bit of verbal stuff.

“Not everyone is going to be happy, there was a few North Albury players come up for a beer after the game no problems and that’s the way it should be.”

Meanwhile, the O and M board met last night to discuss the inter-league squad that will compete at the Victorian Country Football Championships later this month.

O’Connor said the wild melee between the Magpies and Hoppers could be discussed at the meeting.

Murray Bushrangers coach Phil Bunn was due to speak to the board about the progress that the TAC Cup side was making.