Broadview Football Club player Kobi Russell plays in Adelaide Footy League pending tribunal appeal
A local footballer, who was suspended for seven weeks for a strike that left the victim in hospital, has been allowed to continue playing while he appeals the ban. And he had a major role in his team’s win on Saturday.
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An Adelaide Footy League player awaiting an appeal hearing for a seven-game striking suspension has kicked three goals in a best-on-ground performance after he was given permission to play on Saturday.
Broadview footballer Kobi Russell was banned for a punch during a division two match last month which left Scotch Old Collegians’ Josh Heading in hospital with a damaged spleen.
The Tigers lodged an appeal, which was set to be heard last week but was adjourned until this Wednesday.
The league’s appeal tribunal then permitted Russell to line up in Broadview’s clash against Sacred Heart Old Collegians at home on Saturday.
The Tigers won the match 10.12 (72) to 10.9 (69) and Russell was named best-on-ground by the club after kicking three goals.
Adelaide Footy League chief executive John Kernahan said “right or wrong”, the tribunal allowed Russell to play, pending a final determination of his appeal.
If there was a failing in the appeal board’s decision, it would be reviewed when appropriate and in consultation with all clubs, Kernahan said.
Broadview football director Sean Carlier said the club would not be making any comment until after the hearing.
In the clash against Scotch on July 25, Heading had to be assisted from the ground, was taken away in an ambulance and spent the Saturday night in Flinders Medical Centre with a damaged spleen.
Russell’s strike was found by the tribunal to be intentional and of severe impact.
Umpires did not report Russell on the day and Scotch requested an investigation into the incident following the match.
Scotch presented medical reports and witness statements to the tribunal.
Heading was unlikely to play again this season.
Video from the game did not capture the strike but the vision showed Heading hunched over on the ground and Russell running away from the area.
Heading was then assisted off the field by team trainers.