Rugby referee knocked down by fan

Maxwell was knocked down from behind at the end of the game

Referee Jared Maxwell was tackled by a fan who ran on to the field after an Australian rugby league match between Brisbane Broncos and Wests Tigers.

Maxwell was knocked down from behind once he had blown the full-time whistle in the Broncos' 20-18 win at Campbelltown Stadium in western Sydney.

"I'm pretty shocked but fortunately it did no damage to me," Maxwell said.

Police have charged a 25-year-old man with common assault and entering a playing field without authority.

He was released on bail to appear at Campbelltown local court on 17 June.

606: DEBATE Your thoughts on Rugby League

The referee called for an example to be made of the offender to make sure a similar incident does not happen again.

"Speaking on behalf of the refereeing fraternity I'd like the punishment to be as severe as possible. In 15 years of refereeing I have never had that," said Maxwell.

National Rugby League chief operating officer Graham Annesley said a life ban from all league matches was likely on top of any criminal charges.

In a fiery encounter the referee had been at the centre of attention after Wests captain Benji Marshall was sent off with 15 minutes remaining following five consecutive penalties against the Tigers.

Both captains were also warned during the first half after the Broncos had conceded four successive penalties.