AFL news: Umpire Michael Pell looking forward to end of Brownlow investigation

The lawyer for AFL umpire Michael Pell has spoken on the ongoing investigation into the alleged leaking of Brownlow Medal votes.

The lawyer for the AFL umpire at the centre of the Brownlow Medal betting scandal says Michael Pell “looks forward to the investigation finally being complete” as the police probe enters its 11th month without any charges being laid.

Victoria Police confirmed on Tuesday its investigation remained “active” and said it was “critically important that a thorough and methodical investigation” took place given the “serious” allegations.

Pell was dramatically arrested on November 14 last year for allegedly leaking Brownlow Medal votes. Detectives have not spoken to him this year.

Speaking for the first time, Pell’s lawyer, Jordana Fayman, told the Herald Sun “the protracted nature of the police investigation has taken its toll on Mr Pell and his family.

“Given all that has transpired over the last 10 months, he looks forward to the investigation finally being complete.”

Pell resigned from the AFL on mental health grounds following his arrest. The league made no formal findings against him.

Michael Pell. Picture: AFL Photos

But the secondary school PE teacher has been knocked back from multiple jobs this year due to the police investigation hanging over his head.

“The investigation by the Sporting Integrity Intelligence Unit into suspicious betting activity linked to the 2021 and 2022 Brownlow Medal award remains active,” Victoria Police told the Herald Sun on Tuesday.

“The allegations examined in this investigation over the past 10 months are serious and have the potential to significantly impact the public perception around the integrity associated with the Brownlow Medal award.

“As such, it is critically important that a thorough and methodical investigation takes place to ensure the most appropriate outcome is achieved for all parties.”

Incoming AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon said last year the integrity of the Brownlow Medal had not been compromised by the betting scandal.

“I want to stress that neither Victoria Police, nor the AFL have information to suggest that the outcome of the Brownlow Medal was impacted as the allegations relate solely to the leaking or improper communication of the 3,2,1 voting outcomes of some specific matches during the season,” Dillon said.

Carlton captain Patrick Cripps won last year’s Brownlow and he will present this year’s medal at Crown when the votes are counted on Monday night.

Patrick Cripps with his Brownlow in 2022. Picture: Getty Images

Dillon said the AFL engaged Sports Integrity Australia and Victoria Police last year after one of the league’s betting partners flagged suspicious gambling activity on the Brownlow Medal.

The suspicious bets were placed on round-by-round bets.

Victoria’s gambling watchdog has approved those markets again this year but implemented a payout limit of $250.

Pell was arrested on November 14 last year. This year he returned to football as a player for Hadfield in the Essendon District Football League.

But that turned sour when Pell was targeted physically and verbally in a match against Taylors Lakes.

Witnesses said Taylors Lakes players sledged Pell by asking: “Who’s getting the three votes today?” and calling out: “Dan Hannebery, three votes”.

Vision showed Pell with blood gushing from his face after he was headbutted by an opponent.

Multiple AFL umpires have attempted to reach out to Pell this year to offer their support.

Originally published as AFL news: Umpire Michael Pell looking forward to end of Brownlow investigation