Broadview footballer Kobi Russell suspended seven weeks for striking by Adelaide Footy League tribunal
A suburban footballer who struck an opponent off the ball and left him in hospital with a damaged spleen has been suspended for seven weeks at the tribunal.
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A suburban footballer has received a seven-game suspension for a punch which left the victim in hospital with a damaged spleen.
The Adelaide Footy League tribunal on Wednesday night banned Broadview player Kobi Russell for striking Scotch Old Collegians’ Josh Heading during a division two match on Saturday.
Heading had to be assisted from the ground at Scotch College, was taken away in an ambulance and spent 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 will require further treatment and was unlikely to play again this season.
Video from the game did not capture the strike, however 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.
Russell kicked three goals for Broadview, which won the match 10.15 (75) to 7.12 (54).
He will miss the remainder of the home and away campaign and will only be able to play again this season should the Tigers reach the third week of the finals.
Adelaide Footy League chief executive John Kernahan said the incident was the competition’s first significant offence of the season.
“It would appear that the greater majority of our participants are enjoying the privilege of playing footy,” Kernahan said.
“If they’re not, they need only reflect on a period of time as recently as May when that was looking at risk.
“When we consider the whole of the Victorian football community is in recess, it should serve as a sobering thought that playing footy is better than not.”
The Messenger has contacted Broadview president Shane Hodby for comment.
Scotch Old Collegians president Rob Coulls declined to comment.