Former AFL player victim of alleged coward punch, league hands out bans
A member of an iconic AFL family may never play again after he was the victim of an alleged coward punch that’s rocked football.
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Cameron Cloke may never play football again after being the victim of an alleged coward punch in a Melbourne suburban football game on Saturday.
The shocking incident was caught on camera with vision showing Cloke appeared to be punched before the match even started.
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The 38-year-old was on the field before the opening bounce in Templestowe’s senior clash with Boronia when he was allegedly struck in the head by an opposition player, who has since been identified by the Boronia Hawks Football Netball club as Harry Burgess.
News Corp first reported the Eastern Football League has launched an investigation into the incident.
The Boronia club posted on Facebook on Tuesday morning the EFL had offered bans to both of the players involved and the football club has accepted the penalty.
The EFL is yet to announce what the punishment is.
Boronia’s senior club president Greg Hannon said in a statement posted on Facebook: “I wanted to write to you all to address an incident on Saturday during our senior game, between our captain Harry Burgess and Templestowe’s Cameron Cloke.
“As a result of this incident, both players have been offered penalties for the reported conduct.
“The BHFNC has decided to accept the penalty offered to Harry.
“As a club, we pride ourselves on teaching and playing the game with the right spirit and “Harry has consistently demonstrated nothing other than commendable conduct throughout his playing career.
“We extend our best wishes to Cameron Cloke and the Templestowe Football Club.”
Ex-Collingwood, Carlton and Port Adelaide player Cloke fell to the ground following the alleged contact and took no further part in the game.
On Sunday he went to hospital having been unable to sleep and suffering headaches.
It follows a series of concussions throughout his career, both at AFL and local footy level, which previously saw him consider retirement.
“Due to the fact we‘ve lodged a league investigation we’re unable to make comment but all we care about is Cam and making sure he’s OK,’’ Templestowe president Russell Smith told News Corp.
EFL CEO Jy Bond said: “We’ve been investigating this as a league for the past couple of days. We don’t condone violence on the field in any way.
“Our league is renowned as offering a strong, safe environment for players – it’s a skilful and fair league – and we encourage ex-AFL players to come back.’’
Cloke is the son of former Richmond and Collingwood champion David, and the brother of Jason and Travis.
— with foxsports.com.au
Originally published as Former AFL player victim of alleged coward punch, league hands out bans
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