At the VFL Appeals Tribunal tonight, Will Minson has had his four match suspension overturned.
The Footscray and Western Bulldogs listed ruckman receive a reprimand, as well as a $7,500 fine.
In handing down his finding, independent appeals tribunal chairman Ian Hill QC stated that players cannot under any circumstance touch an umpire or umpires be made to feel intimidated on the field as without them, we do not have a game.
The independent tribunal recognised that Minson had shown remorse immediately after the incident, and the appeals panel had been advantaged at this hearing having heard evidence from Minson, and Western Bulldogs President Peter Gordon.
In overturning the suspension, Hill QC provided him with a reprimand, and $7,500 fine which needs to be paid prior to playing in the AFL this weekend.
Bulldogs President Peter Gordon spoke after the hearing, commenting on the process and those involved.
“We would like to firstly thank the VFL tribunal, we felt like we received a very fair hearing tonight, and it was important to Will and our club,” Gordon said.
“Secondly we would like to thank AFL Victoria for the approach that they took to this case.
“The rule which prohibits making contact with an umpire is a very important rule – this particular incident we think was at the lower end of scale and I think that the collegial approach that AFL Victoria took to this was a constructive way of going about it.
“Thirdly I would like to thank and acknowledge the officiating umpire Tom Chystie.
“Tom was obliged as an umpire to make this report because the rule is very clear that contact with umpires is prohibited.
“The rule is clear and there for a reason.
“It obviously attracted a lot of media and a lot of aggressive media, and it is no easy thing for an umpire in those circumstance, so I wanted to acknowledge Tom as it was a difficult thing for him to do and he conducted himself, both in the game, during the week and in the hearings with great dignity.”
Western Bulldogs and Will Minson will make further comments on the case on Friday.
Last Modified on 28/05/2015 20:51