Hellenic and Port Darwin football clubs to provide submissions to appeal panel over post-match brawl

Three identities, including someone from the world of AFL, will hear an appeal from two Darwin soccer clubs following a fracas at Marrara. See how it will all unfold.

SEVERAL high powered identities including a former MP will hear an appeal from two Darwin football clubs over a Marrara car park brawl which resulted in five players being suspended by the league.

Both Hellenic and Port of Darwin were handed heavy penalties from governing body Football NT following the June 26 incident, which police say was an “escalation” after the Women’s Premier League match.

A woman allegedly had her hijab torn off amid a chaotic scene with eyewitnesses describing the situation as a “big mess” with multiple scuffles breaking out.

Two Hellenic players copped three and two-year bans respectively and a third was banned for 12 weeks, with four weeks suspended.

Two Port Darwin players also received a two-year ban and a 12-week ban, with four weeks suspended, respectively.

However, both clubs have appealed the decision with a three-member, independent panel to assess their submissions.

A high powered appeals panel includes a person who once worked in the AFL industry. Picture: Supplied.

The NT News understands the panel will be chaired by a person who has previously worked in the AFL industry, a former MP and another from the world of Indigenous affairs.

“The panel has long experience and a strong skill set,” a Football NT spokesperson said.

“The panel has communicated with the clubs and the appeal procedures and matters are being worked through with all parties.”

Both clubs must provide submissions to the panel by the end of next week.

“Once the clubs return their briefs to the chair in the time frame allocated it is likely that two sessions will be held to determine the matters before the panel,” he said.

“(Football NT) has no further comment to make until the appeal process has been completed.”

However, it is unclear when the sessions will be held, which are not expected to be open to the public

Meanwhile, an 18-year-old woman will face Darwin Local Court later this month charged with assault following the incident.