Footy player is viciously coward-punched by a spectator who jumped the fence to attack him - as police launch investigation

Victoria Police have launched an investigation after a local footy player was coward-punched in unsavoury scenes over the weekend.

A Hampton Park player was struck from behind by a hooded man who had jumped the fence before entering the interchange area to unleash his attack.

The ugly incident occurred during a reserve-grade game between Hampton Park and Doveton at Robert Booth Reserve on Saturday.

The Herald Sun reports that the the player suffered a facial injury as a result of the attack.

It has also been reported that the person who allegedly punched the victim and the person who filmed the incident are not part of the Hampton Park Football Club.

Lee Hartman, CEO of Southern Football Netball League, said the club had alerted the league to the incident and the matter has been referred to the police.  

'I believe it involves two people from the same side … it's become a police matter so we are letting them deal with it at this stage,' Hartman said.