St Mary’s forward Leroy Larson gets a life ban after going past the 15-game suspension threshold

ST MARY’S forward Leroy Larson’s playing career is over after a five-match ban under the AFLNT’s racial vilification policy took him over the 15-game deregistration threshold

Leroy Larson get set to handball while under pressure from a Palmerston opponent. Picture: GLENN CAMPBELL

• ST MARY'S prepare for operation Larson on the eve of the Premier League’s second semi-final
• ST MARY'S forward Leroy Larson on deregistration watch after a week-long case bans him for five games

ST MARY’S forward Leroy Larson’s playing career is over after a five-match ban under the AFLNT’s racial vilification policy took him over the 15-game deregistration threshold.

There had been some discussion Larson would be spared a life ban by parent body the AFL, but confirmation the five-match ban will stand has put an end to those hopes.

It is the second time Larson has been deregistered under the national rule, meaning he has no further grounds for appeal despite successfully appealing the first ban.

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St Mary’s president Steve Ludwig said last night his club was “bitterly disappointed’’ by the decision to effectively place a life ban on Larson playing the game at any level.

“We are providing as much support as we can to Leroy and we are looking at what other options might be available to us,’’ Ludwig said.

“But once again, we are giving him as much support as humanly possible.’’

The AFLNT’s appeal panel upheld the original decision of the league tribunal to suspend Larson for five matches last Friday.

The league has also pledged to work closely with Larson to ensure his well being.

As a result of the suspension, Larson has been deregistered by the parent body under the National Player and Deregistration Policy.

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Larson began his football with St Mary’s in the NTFL as a 13-year-old and played 111 senior games, including 17 in his comeback season on his return from the original deregistration.

Under rule 3.3 (g) (5) if a player or official is re-registered in accordance with the ruling and subsequently receives a suspension as a result of a reportable offence, that player or official will be permanently deregistered.

That means he is prohibited from participating in any competition as a player or official with no further right of appeal or right to apply for re-registration.