EDFL 2019: Tullamarine coach David Connell sanctioned for post-match comments

Tullamarine boss David Connell was hauled before the league’s board on Monday night to explain explosive comments he made on radio following a defeat this season.

Tullamarine coach David Connell. Picture: Andy Brownbill

An Essendon District Football League coach has been sanctioned for explosive comments he made in a post-match radio interview earlier this month.

Tullamarine boss David Connell was hauled before the league’s board on Monday night.

The EDFL has refused to reveal the penalties imposed and will issue a memo to all clubs, which will include an apology from Connell.

After the Demons’ eight-point defeat to Division 1 flag rival East Keilor on August 10, an incensed Connell took aim at the standard of umpiring, the EDFL’s tribunal and other off-field issues.

David Connell had to face the EDFL board. Picture: Jamie Morey

Controversy marred the fixture, with Tullamarine believing it was robbed of two goals — both to veteran Justin Marcy — during the third term.

The Cougars trailed by 29 points at three-quarter-time, before a seven-goal-to-one blitz in the last half-hour gave them a memorable victory, 12.4 (76) to 9.14 (68).

Connell described the questionable calls as “a disgrace” in the aftermath.

“We’ve kicked two goals that were called points,” he said at the time.

East Keilor coach Pat Christofi did not buy in to the issue after the game.

“I’ll review the game, but I can’t comment on that because personally I didn’t see it, and that’s not my job,” Christofi said.

“I don’t focus on that — I just focus on what I can control.”

The EDFL has moved to take a hard-line stance against umpire abuse this season.

In an open letter released in June, EDFL chief executive Craig Armstead condemned players for “unacceptable behaviour” following a string of incidents involving umpires.

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The league also revealed last month that loudmouth fans will cop a fine of up to $250 if they are found to have made “inappropriate comments” towards match officials.

The EDFL looses about 30 per cent of its umpires each year, with the abuse they are subjected to one of the key factors.

Connell is in his second season at Tullamarine and has previously held the top job at Westmeadows, Yarraville-Seddon and Albanvale.

He led the Demons to the Division 1 grand final last year, which they lost to Airport West, and the club is again in premiership contention in 2019.

Connell is allowed to coach for the remainder of the season.

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