Scotch OC’s Max Marslen suspended and clubs fined after altercation with Pembroke OS fan
A local SA footy player and fan have learned their fate after engaging in a physical altercation which saw a round seven game abandoned. See the penalties.
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A Scotch Old Collegians player and Pembroke Old Scholars supporter have learned their fate after engaging in a physical altercation which saw a round seven Adelaide Footy League division three game abandoned.
Scotch OC forward Max Marslen has been banned for nine weeks, with a further three week suspended sentence hanging over his head, after being found guilty of ‘serious misconduct’ after an altercation with a Pembroke OS spectator.
The Adelaide Footy League’s Investigation Committee investigated the May 24 incident which took place during the fourth quarter of the division three A Grade game between the two clubs at Coopers Stadium when Marslen and the fan clashed on the boundary.
Players from both sides worked to break up the scuffle after just a few seconds and Marslen then received a red card from the umpire before the game was called early.
While the league has no formal jurisdiction over the spectator, who is believed to be a former Pembroke OS player, it will ensure he will be denied approval to register as an Adelaide Footy League player in the future.
Scotch OC has also been handed a suspended fine of $1000 for Marslen bringing the league into disrepute as well as a $300 fine for three breaches to administrative roles including failure of their Match Day Official to perform their role satisfactorily.
Pembroke OS has been handed a suspended fine of $1000 for the supporter involved bringing the league into disrepute as well as a fine of $200 for two breaches to administrative roles including failure of their Match Day Official to perform their role satisfactorily.
“Both clubs co-operated without fault and allowed the investigation to proceed with transparency and this is reflected in the suspension in the major portions of the fines,” league chief John Kernahan said.
“Marslen’s record of 195 matches without so much as a yellow card was also considered heavily in the suspended component of his penalty.”
“The league’s tolerance to the behaviour of either the Pembroke supporter or the resulting actions of the Scotch player were not in any way justified because of the involvement of the spectator.
“But what it highlights is the absolute minority of those engaged with our clubs can ruin a good day out in what should otherwise be a positive experience and provided by well-meaning volunteers.”
Kernahan also said the altercation highlighted the task of running successful match days required more volunteers.
“It highlights that the task of facilitating a footy club is being left to too few – if nothing else comes from this stain on both clubs and the league itself other than the mums and dads of the players having a place to engage in a positive environment realising they could be assisting those undertaking some pretty heavy lifting for not much reward, even if it’s just cooking the barbecue or manning the time keeper’s siren, then there are some positives to it.
“It also speaks to a culture of us taking some cold comfort in the fact that this is a widespread societal issue, but as a league we will be very slow in accepting this to be part of today’s standards because if we do, these types of incidents will be more common.”
A Pembroke OS spokesman told this masthead the club accepted the outcome.
“Pembroke Old Scholars Football Club accepts the outcome of the Adelaide Footy League’s investigation and we thank the league for its support in guiding us through this matter.
“We also thank Scotch College Old Collegians Football Club for the co-operation and goodwill shared between both clubs and the league throughout the process.”
Marslen is set to return to action for Scotch OC in round 18 of the home and away season.
Pembroke OS will also be denied any further request to schedule a night game.
SA Police confirmed no report regarding the incident had been made.
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