THE Western Vic Football Tribunal has suspended a Pimpinio under-17s player for 14 weeks after an incident that left a Swifts opponent with fractures to his eye socket and cheekbone.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The player pleaded guilty at the tribunal on Wednesday night for striking and was handed a 14-week suspension, with three weeks of the sentence suspended until June 2016.
It means he will serve 11 weeks to start next season and an additional three if he is found guilty of another offence between now and June 2016.
Stawell police are investigating the player for assault.
Several witnesses including an umpire gave evidence at the tribunal and the Pimpinio player’s father and two others were called as character witnesses.
Pimpinio president David O’Connor said the club did not condone the player’s actions but would support him through his suspension.
"When you cause the damage he’s caused, you’ve got to pay for it and he has got what he deserves.''
- David O'Connor
He said the club would also help with any legal action that could arise as a result of the police investigation.
“His father spoke and was very heartfelt,'' he said.
"The boy has got a lot of social issues and other things in his life, which his father spoke about.
“The club has got him in anger management through Wimmera Uniting Care with Mal Coutts and through our own chaplain Simon Risson.
“We want to make it quite clear that we don’t condone what he’s done – when you cause the damage he’s caused, you’ve got to pay for it and he has got what he deserves.
“With a police investigation hanging over him, getting 14 weeks at the tribunal is nothing compared with what he’s going to face now.”
Mr O’Connor said the player was normally laidback and easy-going, but had dealt with anger management issues and other complications in his personal life.
He said the player was extremely remorseful for his actions.
Mr O’Connor said the club’s thoughts were also with the injured Swifts player, who required facial reconstruction surgery.
“The club is mindful of the other boy who has been hurt and we’ve been in contact with his parents who have been really good to deal with,” he said.
“Swifts have been very easy to deal with throughout this whole situation so I’d like to thank them.”
Swifts secretary Brian Barber attended the tribunal and said the club was satisfied with the outcome.
He said the Swifts player was recovering after having surgery.
“The club wishes him all the best,” Mr Barber said.