NewsBite

Dustin Martin looks set to escape a match ban for his chopsticks controversy

DUSTIN Martin has received a $5000 suspended fine in the wake of the chopstick affair after a police and AFL investigation.

QLD_CP_SPORT_RICH_16DEC15
QLD_CP_SPORT_RICH_16DEC15

DUSTIN Martin has officially been cleared of making threats to kill with a chopstick after several investigations lasting more than five weeks.

On Thursday, the AFL followed Victoria Police in declaring the Richmond midfielder had no case to answer for an altercation with a female diner at a Japanese restaurant last month.

Martin was accused of vowing to stab a woman in the face with a pair of chopsticks at Windsor eatery Mr Miyagi on December 5.

But the two investigations found Martin had not committed a criminal act and that his transgressions started and ended with drunk and obnoxious behaviour.

For this the Tigers imposed a $5000 fine on their star onballer, but suspended it after deciding the damage to his reputation was punishment enough.

The woman at the centre of the incident at a Windsor Japanese restaurant told the Herald Sun: “I am pleased to see they have treated my concerns seriously and launched this review.”

She added it had been a very distressing period which had included death threats from Richmond supporters.

“I wish Dustin all the best for the season,” she said.

Dustin Martin is expected to face Carlton in Round 1. Picture: Wayne Ludbey
Dustin Martin is expected to face Carlton in Round 1. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

An AFL statement read: “There is no evidence to support the allegation that Dustin Martin physically threatened the complainant.”

Martin was said to be shattered over how he was being perceived and was considering whether to seek legal advice.

There is also angst at Punt Road over the sullying of Martin’s character.

“The club will not sanction Dustin Martin in relation to this allegation as no threat to harm occurred,” Richmond chief executive Brendon Gale said.

“Nonetheless, the club is disappointed that Dustin was intoxicated on the night. When challenged by the complainant for being disruptive, he was argumentative and used obscene language.

“Richmond Football Club finds any threat of violence against women totally unacceptable and condemns such behaviour in the strongest possible terms.

“However, as with every other member of the community, Dustin was entitled to the presumption of innocence until this very serious allegation was fully investigated.”

AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan also announced yesterday that the league would begin a review of its Respect and Responsibility Policy and approaches to dealing with allegations of intimidating, threatening or violence behaviour towards women.

Victorian Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commissioner Kate Jenkins has agreed to oversee a review of the AFL’s policies and processes.

Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/teams/richmond/dustin-martin-looks-set-to-escape-a-match-ban-for-his-chop-sticks-controversy/news-story/44603b7df7118355d203ddc30f17635e