Female footballer Casey McElroy’s penalty for playing in men’s match reduced to four games by tribunal

Female footballer Casey McElroy has had her penalty over playing in a men’s game reduced by two games by an independent tribunal, which termed her original punishment “harsh”.

Country footballer Casey McElroy has had her penalty for playing unregistered in a country’s men’s league match reduced from six games to four.

But the two-week reduction still means McElroy will miss half the 2020 Limestone Coast women’s Football League season.

An independent tribunal hearing at the Adelaide Oval on Tuesday night decided to slash the ban by two weeks after hearing arguments from McElroy’s barrister Anthony Allen and SANFL representatives.

Moments after the new ruling was handed down McElroy said: “I’d like to thank the SANFL for the opportunity to question the severity of my original penalty,” she said.

Barrister Anthony Allen arriving at Adelaide Oval with Casey McElroy. Picture: Keryn Stevens

“The reduction of my games from six down to four by Commissioner (Ian) White is much appreciated.

“We’ll continue to endeavour to interpret his findings over the coming weeks so that I’ll heed his final ruling. Thank you for your patience on the matter.”

The 27-year-old from Padthaway copped a six-week suspension from SANFL, which drew widespread outrage, after she took to the field for the Padthaway Lions men’s reserve team against Kingston Football Club in the Kowree Naracoorte Tatiara Football League on May 25.

Last week, the SANFL confirmed that McElroy had elected to have the ban heard before an independent tribunal.

Tribunal chair Ian White said the senior officials from the Padthaway Football Club had failed to understand the consequences of letting McElroy play.

He said that McElroy’s case was unique and there had been no similar precedent to draw upon when making his decision.

“Senior club officials, who are all good football people, lost their sense on what should have been done,” Mr White said.

“She now needs to be an unfortunate example to deter others. If one looks at her life and her sporting achievements, that seems harsh.”

McElroy’s father and grandfather both played for Padthaway.

“She is an excellent player and I can fully understand the desire to wear the guernsey,” Mr White said.

SANFL general manager of football Adam Kelly after the tribunal hearing. Picture: Keryn Stevens

SANFL general manager of football Adam Kelly said the decision made by Mr White to cut the penalty was fair.

“We would rather that this breach didn’t occur and after hearing Casey tonight I am sure she would rather not be in this position,” Mr Kelly said.

“I think if Padthaway Football Club had their time again, just as if Casey had her time again, they would have done things differently.

“The breaches were clear, to think that there would be no sanction would throw disorder into an organised sport.

“This is an unprecedented decision and considering all the factors and coming to a decision was a real battle for us.”