Mum of one-punch victim slams AFL for allowing Noah Balta to play in Gather Round

The mother of a deadly coward-punch victim has slammed the AFL for putting “money before responsibility and culpability” by considering letting Tigers star Noah Balta play this weekend.

The mum of a deadly one punch victim has slammed the AFL and Richmond Football Club for considering allowing Noah Balta – who has pleaded guilty to a brutal assault – to play this weekend.

Caterina Politi, who set up STOP. One Punch Can Kill after her son David Cassai died from a coward punch in 2012, said the game was sending the wrong message to the community.

“They are putting fame and money before responsibility and culpability,” Ms Politi said.

“This was a senseless and unprovoked attack but the AFL and Richmond are saying its sport takes precedence.”

She added: “He’s pleaded guilty. He’s done it. We’re not waiting for a trial. We’re waiting two weeks to see what sentence he gets and the AFL is turning a blind eye.

“They should wait for the punishment at the very least because this is sending totally the wrong message to the community.”

Balta has admitted to assaulting Thomas Washbrook outside the Mulwala Water Ski Club in December last year. Picture: Supplied

Balta, 25, has admitted to a “disgusting” assault on Thomas Washbrook, who “had his back turned”, outside the Mulwala Water Ski Club in December last year.

Richmond suspended Balta from playing in January for six games, two of which were pre-season.

Balta is now eligible to play but won’t be sentenced until April 22. Picture: Mark Stewart

He is now eligible to play but won’t be sentenced until April 22 – allowing him to take part in two Richmond games before his punishment is handed down.

The club said it would decide on Thursday whether to elevate Balta straight into the senior side for the clash with Fremantle, or make his comeback in the VFL team on Sunday.

Caterina Politi, who set up STOP. One Punch Can Kill after her son David Cassai died from a coward punch in 2012, says the game is sending the wrong message to the community. Picture: Jason Edwards

Greats of the game, including premiership teammate Jack Riewoldt, David King and Garry Lyon, have called on the league to consider banning Balta until after his sentencing.

AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon said the league would not stand in Richmond’s way of selecting him for the Gather Round clash this weekend.

“Ultimately Noah is in the middle of a court process, which will finalise in a couple of weeks,” Dillon said.

“The AFL process was completed in February, Noah has served his suspension and he’s also undergone behavioural frameworks, which he’s been adhering to.”

He added: “Now he’s available for selection. It’s up to Richmond whether they select him.

“He has completed the suspension, he’s done everything that was asked of him.”

AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon says the leage won’t stand in Richmond’s way of selecting Balta for the Gather Round clash this weekend. Picture: Getty Images

Ms Politi said the AFL had “violence issues” and cited the eight-match ban Andrew Gaff received after punching Andrew Brayshaw to the face in 2018.

“There’s no code of conduct or accountability on or off the field,” she said.

“Letting Balta play before they know what sentence he’s got is putting the cart before the horse. It’s nonsensical.

“But the AFL has always been wishy washy on violence and bad behaviour and it’s the community who they are letting down.

“Instead of saying ‘this is not OK, this isn’t an example of someone we want people to emulate,’ they are sending the opposite message because money is more important to them.”