AFL 2023: Richmond star Noah Balta hit in the face at local footy game

Richmond utility Noah Balta has escaped injury after being struck at a football tournament over the weekend. Get the latest details here.

Noah Balta was hit at a local footy game. Picture: Mark Stewart

Richmond defender Noah Balta has been cleared of any injury after being hit in the face at an international football tournament over the weekend.

Balta was assessed by Tigers medical staff at Punt Rd on Monday but escaped the incident with only some minor bruising.

The 23-year-old will be back in training on Tuesday as the Tigers prepare to tackle Melbourne in their second pre-season match on Saturday.

Balta was coaching Croatia’s men’s team in the 2023 Nations Footy Cup, which was held at Crofts Reserve in Altona North on Sunday.

A brawl broke out during Croatia’s match against Afghanistan which was when Balta was hit in what Richmond believes was an unprovoked incident.

Victoria Police said no injuries or incidents were reported to them after officers were present when an altercation occurred during the men’s match.

Balta escaped the incident without serious injury. Source: Instagram/richmond_fc

Police also responded to reports of an altercation during a women’s match at the same tournament on Sunday afternoon, but no offence was detected.

Organisers of the Nations Footy Cup released a statement on Monday condemning the actions of some of those involved in the tournament.

“As organisers, a lot of effort goes into running this event,” the statement read.

“We were disappointed with the behaviour of some of the players and spectators.

“Nations Footy Cup is about inclusivity, diversity and unity bringing people of all backgrounds, beliefs and cultures together to unite over football.

“There were some incidents that took place yesterday that left a bitter taste.

“To our players, spectators and fans that had their experience negatively impacted by this, we apologise.

“At NFC we don’t tolerate this behaviour.”

Balta was with former teammate and Richmond assistant coach Ivan Maric at the time of the incident.

TIGERS STAR HIT AT LOCAL FOOTY MATCH

Jay Clark

Richmond defender Noah Balta has been hurt in an altercation at a local footy game.

News Corp understands Balta was hit in an unprovoked incident on Sunday when fans ran onto the field during a representative game of Australian Rules between Croatia and Afghanistan.

Balta, 23, sustained minor bruising to his face and will be assessed by Richmond medicos on Monday.

The Tigers confirmed Balta was involved in an incident at the 2023 Nations Footy Cup and have informed the AFL.

The club is investigating the matter and believe Balta was an innocent victim in the situation.

He was with former teammate and Richmond assistant coach Ivan Maric.

The incident took place when footy fans ran on to the ground and began fighting.

Balta, 23, is expected to continue training this week.

The Nations Footy Cup is an annual tournament played in Melbourne by players from different countries.

The tournament attempts to celebrate diversity and inclusion by bringing people from different communities together to play Australian Rules.