See the stunning call for State of Origin to be BANNED due to shocking crimes stemming from interstate footy games

A popular activist group on social media has called for State of Origin to be banned after a detailed study linked the matches with big spikes in domestic violence offences.

MFW - which has more than 60,000 followers on X - posted during Wednesday's clash: 'hope everyone's enjoying the State of Origin match, excuse us if we reckon it should be banned till men sort themselves the f**k out'.

The tweet then provided alarming statistics that revealed State of Origin nights see a 40 per cent increase on average in domestic assault.

The claim was backed up by research from the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics, with the Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education stating the abuse unfolds between 6pm and 6am during when Origin is on.

Numerous followers were stunned to learn of the development before MFW stated the offending had little to do with alcohol and gambling - instead pointing to 'violent, cowardly men using women and children as punching bags' because they 'want to hurt someone and smaller people they live with are the easiest'.

That was followed up with: 'They [male offenders] won't be bashing up their bosses or the neighbourhood boxing champion tomorrow, will they?'

Leading into game one of the Origin series in Sydney on Wednesday night, MP Zali Steggall outlined the shocking assault numbers, drawn from six years of data, at a Question Time sitting.  

'On State of Origin game night, statistics show that women and children in NSW are almost 40 per cent more likely to experience domestic violence,' she said.

'Alcohol and gambling are known drivers of domestic violence, and government violence prevention frameworks in Australia have been reluctant to tackle the multibillion dollar alcohol and gambling industries.

'When will your government take greater steps to regulate these harmful industries to keep Australian women safe in this national crisis and encourage greater prevention strategies from sporting codes like the NRL?'

Albanese acknowledged the link between the popular sporting event and domestic violence, saying he accepted 'completely the startling statistics that the member raised with me about a spike (in domestic violence) that will occur when a major sporting event like the State of Origin game is held.'

White Ribbon executive director Brad Chilcott told fans to watch out for aggression from their mates and themselves towards women.

'Thousands of fans are looking forward to game night, but sadly we know we can also expect an increase in men's violence and abuse of women,' he said.

'It is every man's responsibility to take an active role in preventing this.

'I ask every man, and especially every footy fan, to be extra vigilant in calling out disrespect and sexism when they see it.'

Back in 2018, Michael Thorn of the Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education said there was a relationship between Origin games and an increase in domestic violence.

'The drivers of domestic violence are complex and many, however, the disturbing findings suggest the State of Origin's particular celebration of heavy drinking, masculinity, tribalism, and the toxic level of aggressive alcohol promotion have collided in such a way as to encourage drinking to excess and domestic violence,' he said.