PINT’s Warwick Williams given monster ban for throwing umpire to ground in NTFL final

A player has been handed a monster ban after he grabbed a teenage umpire and threw him to the ground in a moment of madness during the NTFL elimination final.

Footballer Warwick Williams has been deregistered after receiving a 20 week ban for hurling a junior umpire to the floor in a shocking minute of violence in a Darwin footy final.

The PINT recruit appeared before the independent tribunal more than a week after the incident charged with making contact with or striking an umpire.

Video footage of the incident clearly shows Williams crash into a contest midway through the final quarter of the emotional elimination final between PINT and Southern Districts.

Warwick Williams and Roy George in the Southern Districts vs PINT 2023-24 NTFL men's elimination final. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

In the ensuing scuffle he reaches out and grabs the young umpire, who had been trying to break up the commotion, before throwing him to the ground.

Senior umpire Mark Noonan put Williams on report and sent him from the field for the remainder of the match.

Williams pleaded guilty in front of the tribunal at the first possible opportunity, and he was sanctioned to a 20 week penalty.

The penalty means Williams has been deregistered passing the 16-week threshold and will have to apply to play again following the end of his ban period.

The NT Umpires Association said they were “appalled and deeply disappointed by the abhorrent actions” displayed in the incident.

Referee assault from PINT's Warwick Williams in the NTFL elimination final.

Association president Noonan said the “safety and well-being of all participants is of paramount importance to the NTFL Umpires Association”.

“It is utterly disgraceful that a member of the PINT Football team would engage in such reprehensible conduct, especially targeting an underage umpire who was simply carrying out their duties,” he said.

“This despicable act not only tarnishes the reputation of PINTS Football, but also brings shame upon the entire sporting community.

“We condemn this violent behaviour in the strongest possible terms. Violence against officials, particularly those who are underage, cannot be tolerated under any circumstances.”

The NTFLUA Committee welcomes the 20 week suspension and called on the PINT Football Club to take immediate and decisive action to educate and counsel Williams.

“Our thoughts are with the underage umpire and their family during this difficult time,” Noonan said.

“We stand in solidarity with them and reaffirm our commitment to ensuring a safe and respectful environment for all participants in our sport.

“NTFL Umpires Association will continue to work tirelessly to promote fair play, sportsmanship, and respect for all individuals involved in football.

“We will not tolerate any behaviour that undermines these values and will take all necessary steps to uphold the integrity of our sport.”

Head of AFL Northern Territory Sam Gibson said “umpires are integral to the game” and “everyone has the right to feel safe and valued at the footy”.

“While we never want to see penalties such as last night handed down to players, we stand by the Tribunal’s decision and support the outcome,” he said.

“We wish to reinforce that AFLNT strongly condemns abuse of any type in our game and has zero tolerance when it comes to umpire abuse in any form.

“AFLNT will continue to work with the player involved, PINT Football Club and the Umpiring group over the coming days and weeks, prioritising their wellbeing and providing support as needed.”