Victoria Police investigating AFL executive Ali Fahour punch

VICTORIA Police are now investigating a coward-punch that has earned AFL executive Ali Fahour a life-ban from football.

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VICTORIA Police are now investigating a coward-punch that has earned AFL executive Ali Fahour a life-ban from football.

Fahour could face assault charges over the punch in a Northern Football League match last weekend.

Fahour fronted the Northern Football League tribunal last night, receiving a 14-week suspension for striking which triggered a life ban.

He stood down from his role as AFL diversity manager after the verdict, which was delivered after a two-and-a-half hour hearing.

Victoria Police this morning confirmed it is investigating an incident which occurred during a football match in Whittlesea on Saturday.

“We can confirm Whittlesea Crime Investigation Unit is investigating an allegation of assault that occurred during a football match at Whittlesea,” police spokesman Cameron Scott said.

Fahour, who plays for West Preston-Lakeside, struck Whittlesea opponent Dale Saddington, 33, in the third quarter of his side’s Division 1 match.

“A statement has been obtained from the victim, a 33-year-old Whittlesea man,” Mr Scott said.

“As the investigation is ongoing it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time.”

Ali Fahour speaks to the media at AFL House. AAP Image/Julian Smith

An emotional Fahour last night said he would be “standing down” from his role at the AFL and would seek help.

“On the basis of the seriousness of the charge and the tribunal sanction, I’ll be standing down from my position at the AFL,” he said after the hearing.

“In this time I’ll seek professional help for my behaviour.

“I’ve played this game for 29 years. It has given me everything (and) I have loved working for the AFL and running programs that have reached out to communities far and wide.

“AFL is the greatest game, and I’m forever grateful for the role it has played in my life.”

Ali Fahour in action for West Preston-Lakeside. Picture: Mark Dadswell

Whittlesea defender Dale Saddington leaves the Northern Football League tribunal after giving evidence. AAP Image/Julian Smith

The Herald Sun understands Saddington returned to work this morning after being forced to take three days off while recovering from concussion and swelling.

West Preston-Lakeside issued a rally cry to its members today.

“The last few days have been one of the toughest periods in our club’s history,” the statement read.

“Stress levels for numerous people around the club have been at levels never experienced before.

“Although we don’t condone what’s happened, what’s done is done. We can’t change what’s happened in the past but we can influence the future.”

Former Collingwood and Brisbane player Patrick Karnezis told the Herald Sun Fahour acted after he saw a teammate in a headlock and choker hold.

“Ali saw the couple of punches that were laid into Saady (Ahmed Saad) and it was an instinctive sort of reaction, but again we don’t condone it,” he said.

“It’s a big mistake that he’s well aware of ... but it shouldn’t eliminate all the good work he’s done.”

Fahour has worked at the AFL since 2011.

NFL chief executive Peter McDougall confirmed Fahour, who had previously been suspended for seven weeks in his career, would be deregistered.

The AFL is expected to break its silence today.