WIMMERA Football League Umpires Group director Anthony Croke has confirmed the Stawell goal umpire involved in an alleged assault by Nhill coach Darren Weavell on Saturday is Robert Morris.
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Morris spoke out on Channel 9 news last night about the alleged incident, which occurred during half-time of the round four Wimmera Football League match between Stawell and Nhill at Central Park in Stawell.
Mr Croke said investigating officer Ted McCabe started proceedings on Monday morning.
Stawell president John Griffiths said he didn’t want to make a comment until the investigation was completed.
Nhill president Jim White said Weavell had the full support of the club and would continue coaching.
Stawell police are investigating the incident, which sparked a half-time melee between the two clubs.
Mr Croke said on Monday that he was unsure on the details.
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''The Stawell goal umpire and the Nhill coach have had a difference of opinion, and that’s about all we know at this stage,” he said.
“Until all the evidence is brought forward, both parties are considered innocent because we don’t know what’s happened.”
Police attended the Stawell sporting ground at 4pm on Saturday after the alleged incident at 3.15pm.
A police media spokeswoman confirmed Mr Morris attended Stawell Police Station on Monday morning to report an alleged assault.
Wimmera Football League is also investigating the half-time melee.
Wimmera league chief commissioner John Smith, who witnessed the incident after the half-time siren in the Tigers’ eight-point win over Stawell, said most players from both sides were involved.
“We regard it as a very unfortunate incident – obviously it’s one that needs investigation by the league,” he said.
“Given the extent of the incident, due process will be followed in every aspect and we will be instituting proceedings as soon as possible.
“Our investigation will be very thorough and looked at from every angle.”
Mr Smith said in his six years as Wimmera league’s chief commissioner, he had never seen an incident like it.
He said it was extremely disappointing from the league’s point of view.
“People go to football on Saturdays for its entertainment and pleasure of being there as part of their communities,” Mr Smith said.
“In this day and age, it’s quite concerning that people have to denigrate to that level.”
Western Vic Football general manager Stephen McQueen said the investigation would be completed within 21 days of the incident.
Nhill president Jim White and Stawell president John Griffiths both declined to comment on the matter.
