Manly Sea Eagles CEO Tony Mestrov has threatened to ban footy fans who take part in the dangerous ‘run it straight’ social media craze after a shocking video surfaced of fans colliding with each other after a game on Saturday.
The club will also beef up security for home matches following a series of spectators – some fuelled by alcohol – boldly deciding to take on the challenge following the clash against the Broncos on May 31.
Those involved ramped up the danger by using the iconic hill behind the ground on Sydney’s northern beaches to speed up the action and increase the force of the collisions.
One participant was filmed chugging a beer before roaring and charging down the hill, only to be ironed out by another participant wearing a Sea Eagles jersey.
The ‘Run It Straight’ trend involves people charging directly at each other to mimic a rugby-style collision.
‘It’s crazy that people will do this type of thing when they know how dangerous and potentially life-threatening it is,’ Mestrov told Fairfax.
‘We will ensure our security is more vigilant in patrolling this outside zone after full-time, at all future home games.
‘Any spectators who breach our rules by engaging in this type of behaviour will be banned. Full stop. As a club, we will continue to make the match day experience that is safe and enjoyable for all.’
Manly Sea Eagles CEO Tony Mestrov has threatened to ban footy fans who take part in the dangerous ‘Run It Straight’ social media trend at future NRL home games out of Brookvale Oval
Footy fans at a Manly Sea Eagles match decided to take the Run It Straight challenge to new levels by using the hill for momentum at Brookvale Oval on May 31 (pictured)
An online video showed a number of sickening collisions, just days after a teenager lost his life attempting the trend with mates in New Zealand
Sea Eagles prop Nathan Brown also condemned the behaviour.
‘It’s pretty dangerous, and I wouldn’t recommend anyone doing that,’ he said.
‘I’ve seen some of the videos. It’s not fun, and only bad things can happen. Hopefully, it stops. My advice is to cut it out and ban it.’
The Run It Straight trend quickly gained popularity on social media with official competitions popping up in Sydney and in New Zealand – but has drawn criticism for its dangerous nature.
The trend turned deadly last week after New Zealand teenager Ryan Satterthwaite tragically lost his life attempting the challenge.
He sustained a serious head injury during an impromptu game with friends and passed away in hospital on May 26.
His death has prompted widespread warnings from health experts and authorities about the dangers involved by engaging in such behaviour.
But some footy supporters in Australia are still seemingly prepared to risk their lives for cheap laughs online.
New Zealand teenager Ryan Satterthwaite died after sustaining head injuries taking part in a Run It Straight style challenge with friends
Events have popped up in Australia and New Zealand with cash prizes on offer, but they have been getting postponed and cancelled in recent weeks
‘Glad to see we’ve learnt from the poor blokes passing in New Zealand last week,’ one viewer posted, tongue firmly in cheek.
‘Would love to know how many ended up at northern beaches hospital,’ posted another.
‘Intelligence below the charts,’ added another.
Despite the obvious dangers, the warnings and the death of Satterthwaite, the video still attracted plenty of attention from people loving the trend.
‘My son was there. He loved it,’ one viewer posted with a series of laughing emojis.
‘It’s called fun. You need to leave the indoors more,’ another fired back at a commentator pointing out Satterthwaite’s death.
‘I’m not opposed to this,’ posted another.
It comes after former dual-code footy star Sonny Bill Williams had to back away from comments he made online that appeared to endorse the trend.
Williams shared footage from his playing days with the Bulldogs, colliding with Penrith’s Joel Clinton in 2004 with the video captioned ‘old school what a hit’.
Former NRL star and All Black Sonny Bill Williams apologised after appearing to endorse the trend
He added: ‘Playing run it straight before it was called run it straight.’
Williams later apologised after learning about Satterthwaite’s death.
‘I put a video up, and I just want to ask for forgiveness of the young fulla that passed away,’ Williams said on his social media account.
‘Please excuse me for my insensitivity. I did not know that had happened.
‘I want to talk about it for a second right now.
‘I’ve been asked to collab with the Run it Straight people, or a couple of people and I haven’t.
‘Simply because I wouldn’t put my kids in it. ‘I have safety concerns and that’s just my thoughts on it.’
Several ‘Run It Straight’ events in South Auckland were cancelled due to safety concerns and lack of permits following the teenager’s death.
The Māngere-Ōtāhuhu Local Board raised concerns over concussion risks and unregulated contact.
One event at Williams Park was scrapped after organisers failed to book the venue or seek council approval.
Organisers instead held a meet-and-greet at Sylvia Park following the death of Satterthwaite.
