St Mary’s head coach Anthony Vallejo has been handed a two-match penalty after his comments on peanut umpires after the NTFL grand final

The AFLNT has given St Mary’s head coach Anthony Vallejo with a two match suspension after his post grand final comments on “peanut umpiring”.

St Mary's coach Anthony Vallejo given two-match ban. Picture GLENN CAMPBELL

The AFLNT has given St Mary’s head coach Anthony Vallejo with a two match suspension after his post grand final comments on “peanut umpiring”.

The comments came immediately after his side’s 13-point loss to Nightcliff where he said, “we had five peanuts umpiring, which was pretty disappointing, but that’s how it goes”.

For some this comment came as a great suprise marring a showcase of local talent.

ALFNT boss Stuart Totham said the organisation was “extremely disappointed with the comments”.

Vallejo later admitted to the NT News he had made a poor choice of words and that the emotion of the occasion had perhaps got the better of him.

“I apologise if I have hurt anyone’s feelings and in hindsight I probably shouldn’t have called them that,” Vallejo previously admitted.

“It’s been brought to my attention there are better ways of bringing up grievances, particularly with the umpires after the game.”

It was this concession published on March 16 that helped his case and ultimately lowered his charge.

AFLNT found Vallejo’s comments to be in breach of the Code of Conduct and Conditions of Entry which were easily audible to spectators at the venue and via AFLNT’s live stream making it a category 2 offence.

A Category 2 offence usually carries an automatic 10-week suspension for a first offence but in Vallejo’s case this was lessened to two for his apology, his past history of good behavior and his involvement in NT Academy programs.

Vallejo is held in high esteem by the NT footy community especially after a standout debut season for at the helm of St Mary’s coaching them from a maiden wooden spoon to a grand final.

His previous work with the NT Schoolboys and NT Thunder has seen him contribute to the development of players from across the Territory.

Vallejo may appeal the penalty within five business days.