In a stunning display of enthusiasm gone awry, a Newcastle Knights fan managed to turn a celebratory send-off into a scene of chaos and injury. At least nine people, including children, were injured - two critically - when a car crashed into a crowd gathered to farewell the Knights team bus before the NRL grand final.

New South Wales police reported that emergency services were called to Newcastle Link Road at the Transfield Drive roundabout in Wallsend around 9:30am on Saturday after a vehicle struck multiple people. "Several people have been injured and are currently receiving treatment at the scene," police said, in a statement that could win an award for Understatement of the Year.

Newcastle mayor Gavin Morris told the ABC that the driver, described as a young Knights fan, lost control while revving his car shortly before the team arrived. "It appears that he's lost control of the car, and he's gone into the crowd," Morris said, adding that about nine were injured, "which sadly also included children." Because nothing says "Go Knights" like vehicular manslaughter.

Footage on social media showed the car being driven quickly around a roundabout before the crash, and images later showed it careened onto a footpath. Witness Dylan Prior told ABC News the car was "revving a bit" before it ran into the group. "I saw some young kids go flying, and people running to help the victims," he said. "Everyone was yelling and hysterical, yelling at the driver." A reaction that seems entirely proportionate.

The Newcastle Link Road was closed in both directions, forcing the Knights grand final procession to be diverted. The club confirmed on Instagram that it had changed its route, apologising to fans who missed farewelling the team but noting that "public safety is our priority." A novel concept, we know.

Police appealed for fans to disperse and keep roadways clear, acknowledging that many loyal supporters missed the chance to see the team. "Police thank the community for their patience, cooperation and assistance," they said, presumably through gritted teeth.

NSW premier Chris Minns said his thoughts were with the families and friends of those injured. "It's heartbreaking to see fans who were sending off their grand final team involved in such a terrible incident," he said. "We've seen how this grand final has brought Newcastle together, and I hope the whole community remains united as we continue to respond." Because nothing unites like a car crash.

Prime minister Anthony Albanese said he had spoken with Minns and offered federal support. "My thoughts are with everyone injured or involved in the horrible incident this morning in Newcastle," Albanese said. "I want to acknowledge and thank emergency services and police for responding so quickly, and their ongoing work in treating the injured. Rugby league brings people together, and this should have been a weekend of excitement and pride for Newcastle fans." Instead, it was a weekend of revving engines and regret.

The NSW ambulance service has been contacted for comment, presumably while they were busy actually treating the injured.