Protests and Disputes

Tribunal date:

12-03-2024

Tribunal personnel:

David King, Steve Kemp, Shamez Rashid

Tribunal convenor:

Steve Kemp

Umpire:

Peter Bennett

Name:

Justin Varney - team scorer

Club:

East Fremantle

Advocate's name:

Michael Carmody

Report:

Level 3 Physical assult of a player

Tribunal notes:

David King advised Mr Varney that that he had been Reported of a Level 3 Offence (Physical assault of a player). DK asked Mr Varney if he pleaded Guilty or Not Guilty of this offence. Mr Varney advised "Guilty, but acted in Self Defence". Mr Varney gave his version of events. Mr Varney advised that Mr Aldersea was abusive toward EFCC players for most of the day. Mr Carmody advised that Mr Aldersea entered the field of play, after Mr Perera was given out. Mr Varney yelled Mr Aldersea to get off the field. After this Mr Varney alleged that Mr Aldersea "came running back to the scorers tent and said he was going to kill me". Mr Varney then advised he acted in self defence by grabbing Mr Aldersea. After the incident involving Mr Varney and Mr Aldersea was broken up, Mr Carmody asked Mr Varney to leave the scorer's tent. Mr Varney advised that he only spoke to Mr Aldersea during the days play and that he did not abuse any PCC players. He alleged that Mr Aldersea was abusive to EFCC players all day, consisting of a lot of derogatory comments. Upon giving his version of events, Mr Varney stated that he couldn't advise anymore, he'd already wasted enough of his time and "I'll cop what you give me". He then left the P&D, with Mr Carmody remaining.

Penalty:

The Panel discussed these matters and found that Mr Varney was Guilty of the Level 3 Offence (Physical assault of a player). The penalty given was a 24 playing date suspension as either a Player or Official for EFCC. It was advised that he couldn't act in a match day capacity for EFCC. Mr Carmody, on behalf of EFCC and Mr Varney was advised that, if they are experiencing poor player behaviour from their opposition that they must report it. The P&D wish to improve player behaviour across the association, and only mentioning poor player behaviour of the opposition when your Club has a player Reported is not acceptable. In addition to this, EFCC were advised that they could appeal the findings of the P&D under by-law 67, should they so wish, within 24 hours of this hearing.

Signee's name:

Steve Kemp, P&D Tribunal Convenor