Central United player Nick Kershaw deregistered by Adelaide Footy League after 10-game striking suspension, police now investigate the incident

An amateur footballer deregistered and banned after punching an opposing player may be charged by police over the incident.

A northern suburbs footballer who was handed a 10-game suspension and deregistered from the Adelaide Footy League after striking a player on Saturday now faces potential criminal charges.

Central United player Nick Kershaw struck an Adelaide Lutheran runner during the first quarter of the division seven game at the south parklands.

Kershaw accepted the ban on Monday after the league’s match review panel deemed the incident to be head high contact and of high severity.

Police confirmed they had launched an investigation into the incident, including relevant footage, on Tuesday.

In 2019 Kershaw was banned three games for striking while playing for another club, which means he has exceeded the league’s threshold of 12 matches suspended and has been deregistered from the competition.

Central United player Nick Kershaw was suspended 10 games for this incident on Saturday.

Players deregistered from the league must wait a minimum of three years before reapplying.

In a statement, the Adelaide Footy League said “an incident between a player and an official has a higher weighting to penalty”.

Central United president Nathan Fenwick said the club’s committee met on Sunday and made the decision to also immediately deregister Kershaw.

Fenwick said Central United had zero tolerance of unacceptable behaviour on and off the field.

“The player has also sincerely apologised to the Adelaide Lutheran Football Club and the Adelaide Football League and is deeply remorseful for his uncharacteristic behaviour,” Fenwick said.

“On behalf of the Central United Football Club we apologise to the runner, players, officials and supporters of the ALFC for the incident.

“Lastly, we would like to thank the Adelaide Footy League for their professional response in handling this matter.”

League chief executive John Kernahan said Central United “acted swiftly” in dealing with Kershaw.

“That has made for a far easier resolution with the league and Central United moving in the same direction, something the league and Central United have not enjoyed as a common purpose in recent years,” Kernahan said.

“It’s a long season and the last 18 months have proven a test for everyone’s tolerance levels.

“Generally speaking, we do not accept Covid-19 fatigue as an excuse for brain fades.

“Whilst we can, footy is a place to go and enjoy and remove yourself from the daily grind Covid-19 has imposed on everyone, not kick the can down the road.

“I’m quite sure there are a stack of footy players in Victoria who would relish the opportunity to go and have a match of footy but can’t.”

Adelaide Football League chief executive John Kernahan. Picture: Tricia Watkinson

Adelaide Lutheran president Mick Emmett said the club’s major concern was the wellbeing of its runner.

“Our main aim is to support our runner and make sure he’s OK because it’s a fairly public thing,” Emmett said.

“We’ll trust the league to do what they need to do, follow the process and we’ll support the league.

“It’s so hard to get volunteers to fill roles at footy clubs.

“We just want people to help and we’ve had a volunteer have a pretty public incident, so we’re just concerned about the wellbeing of our official.

“When something like this happens we just put our arms around our people and support them.”

Adelaide Lutheran won the match 14.5 (89) to 7.5 (47).

Central United is top of division seven – the league’s lowest A grade division.