Casey McElroy seeking legal representation over SANFL suspension for playing in men’s team

Casey McElroy has confirmed she has sought legal representation over a six-week SANFL suspension after playing for an all men’s side in the South-East last month.

• Online petition rallies behind Casey McElroy
• Nat von Bertouch: Should women play sport in men’s teams?

South Australian female footballer Casey McElroy has sought legal representation over a six-week suspension after playing for a B-grade all men’s side in the South-East last month.

The 27-year-old has until Thursday to respond to the SANFL suspension, which will see her miss almost all of her 2020 season for the Kybybolite Tigers women’s team.

Her options include referring the matter to an independent tribunal hearing.

In reply to a question from the Sunday Mail on Saturday, McElroy said she had “obtained legal representation and they are looking over the documents and penalty now”.

Casey McElroy, 27, has sought legal representation over a six-week suspension after playing for a B-grade all men’s side in the South-East last month.

She said she was unable to comment further.

The six-week ban handed to McElroy after she played unregistered for the Padthaway Lions men’s reserves team on May 25 has been criticised as harsh by prominent sportspeople and SA Minister for Sport Corey Wingard.

An online petition through change.org has condemned the six-week ban as “grossly excessive”. Last night the petition stood at more than 1650 signatures.

Padthaway received a $2000 fine (half was suspended) by the Kowree Naracoorte Tatiara Football League and the SANFL imposed the extra penalty on McElroy after reviewing the case.

The SANFL described the incident as “unprecedented” and a serious breach of regulations that exposed McElroy, her teammates and the opposition to insurance risk.

SANFL chief executive Jake Parkinson last week said the sanction was determined after due process.