NT Police have concluded an investigation into alleged 'incidents' after a Palmerston and Wanderers football match in February

A police investigation into an alleged "altercation" in the car park at Cazalys Arena after a NTFL match in February - during which a Palmerston player committed serious misconduct  - has produced a finding.

NO CHARGES have been laid following a lengthy police investigation into an alleged "altercation" after a Palmerston versus Wanderers match in early February.

The investigation has concluded more than three months after the round 17 NO MORE clash at Cazalys Arena on February 12.

Police were called to the game following an incident in the car park.

The NT News has heard from several sources the incident involving an altercation between two men.

Desmond Corbett was rubbed out for 18 weeks and was deregistered by the league after pleading guilty to serious misconduct.

It was after a game in which Palmerston player Desmond Corbett copped an 18-match suspension and was deregistered from the league after pleading guilty to serious misconduct.

On Friday, Senior Sergeant Siiri Tennosaar said the investigation had been concluded and no charges had been laid due to "insufficient evidence".

Palmerston said it would conduct its own investigation into "alleged incidents" during and after the match but it is unclear if its findings have been made public.

The club has been contacted for comment.

Penalised sports people could be sent to anti-violence classes rather than missing games

Penalised sports people could be made to undertake anti-violence training rather than missing games under a new proposal from DV campaigner and media identity Charlie King.

King, who has been the face of the NO MORE movement for nearly a decade, has proposed that players would be referred to CatholicCare NT’s Behaviour Change Program.

Under the proposal, sporting tribunals would be given the “sentencing option” in lieu of missing games, for physical offences like hitting or swearing at or disrespecting an umpire.

It follows an NTFL season which saw a number of big suspensions with Palmerston’s Desmond Corbett rubbed out for 18 matches and deregistered after pleading guilty to serious misconduct against Wanderers in early February, the official NO MORE round.

King said the program forced participants to look deep inside themselves, while dealing with their anger and better understanding the negatives of violence.

“I tell you what, it makes you turn your eyeballs around and look at yourself to get a good picture of what you were doing,” King said of the program.

“It’s time for a whole rethink for penalties for violent and abusive behaviour on sporting fields, but it needs to be taken on board by all codes.”

However, he stressed it was not creating a link between overt aggression on the field and domestic violence.

Charlie King says new ideas are needed to eradicate overt aggression and violence from sport. Picture: Michael Franchi.

“We’re not labelling them as wife bashers, it’s about violence in general,” he said of the program.

“Abusive language and all that lack of respect stuff which leads to violence.

“What we’ve got right now isn’t working, the hotheads are still there, they turn up every game. Losing a few games doesn’t fix it.”

King was convinced the program would make a willing participant a “better person”.

“You could get three matches of suspension, which could be reduced if you do a session (with the program), each one is about an hour and a half,” he said.

King said he was not a believer in “white line fever” and on-field violence could extend to everyday life.

“If you can’t control your emotions when you cross the white line, you can’t control it (anywhere),” he said.

“The number one thing is, you’ve got to see yourself as others see you.

“It makes them look at themselves.

“It is such a good program, it makes you take a really long, hard look at yourself.”

An AFLNT spokeswoman said it was “always open to discuss ways on improving the game environment across all competitions”, with the number of NTFL senior match reports this year remaining “steady” on previous seasons.

White Ribbon director Allan Ball said all sporting codes could do more to prevent violence before it starts by committing to “primary prevention training”.

“It would be great to see anti-violence training integrated in the pre-season sessions, which would engage every player and club member,” Mr Ball said.

Wanderers makes statement as police investigation continues after alleged 'altercation'

NT Police confirmed on Tuesday investigations were continuing into an alleged “altercation” following the match on February 12 at Cazalys Arena, part of the NO MORE round 17 fixtures.

Palmerston has also conducted its own review into “alleged incidents” during and after the match but it is unclear if its findings have been made public.

The club has been contacted for comment.

Magpies player Desmond Corbett was banned by the league’s independent tribunal for 18 matches and deregistered, after pleading guilty to serious misconduct in the final quarter.

In a statement to NT News, Wanderers said it was satisfied with how Palmerston and the league handled the matter.

“In reference to any on field or after the match incidents from that game we are comfortable with actions taken by the Palmerston Football Club and the NTFL,” the statement read.

“We would like to say that the majority of players, volunteers and spectators from both clubs and the league were well behaved and reacted to any alleged ‘incidents’ in a positive, proactive, safety-first manner.

“We remain confident that both the league and Palmerston Football Club will manage any further investigations or matters if required in their usual professional manner and wish them well for the upcoming 2022-2023 season.

“Wanderers have always been and remain to be 100 per cent behind the NO MORE campaign.”

Police investigation into alleged 'altercation' after Palmerston game remains ongoing

Police began investigating after officers were called to the ground following the Palmerston versus Wanderers game at Cazalys Arena on February 12.

The match was during the round 17 NTFL Men’s Premier League fixture for the NO MORE Round, which raises awareness about domestic and family violence.

In the days after the match, NT Police Senior Sergeant Siiri Tennosaar confirmed that officers had been called to an “altercation” after the game.

However, it is still not clear why police were called to the ground after play.

Tensions had earlier flared during a heated third quarter where several Palmerston defensive players became frustrated with a few umpiring decisions, in particular a deliberate out of bounds penalty.

Magpie Desmond Corbett was handed an 18-game suspension and was automatically deregistered after pleading guilty to serious misconduct in the final quarter of the game.

In a statement on the Monday following the incident, Palmerston said its board would investigate “incidents” which allegedly occurred during and after the match.

“(Our) board will investigate the matters under the club’s code of conduct and will advise of the outcome as soon as the investigation is complete," its statement read.

An AFLNT spokeswoman said it was unable to comment as it was a police matter.

Palmerston and Wanderers football clubs have been contacted for comment.

Palmerston player receives 18-game suspension 

A Palmerston player has been deregistered and a Buffaloes coach suspended following two NTFL tribunal hearings earlier this week.

Magpie Desmond Corbett pleaded guilty to serious misconduct in the final quarter of the Men's Premier League match between the Magpies and Wanderers at Cazalys Arena on Saturday following hearings on both Wednesday and Thursday night.

Corbett was handed an 18-game suspension and was automatically deregistered.

In a statement, Palmerston said it respected the tribunal’s decision and a message had to be sent to all players and spectators about on and off field conduct.

“Notwithstanding the tribunal outcome... (we) are committed to assisting him and looking after his welfare,” the club said.

The club’s board is also investigating Saturday’s game following alleged “incidents” after the match.

Two Palmerston players were suspended for a total of 25 games following the match at Cazalys Arena. Picture: Felicity Elliott.

Palmerston’s Murray Liddle also received a seven-match suspension after pleading guilty to abusive, insulting or obsence language towards an umpire in the third quarter.

Meanwhile, Buffs coach Cameron Stokes pleaded guilty to a charge of using abusive language in the second quarter of the round 17 match between his team and Waratah at TIO Stadium.

The charge was downgraded from serious misconduct following a review of available evidence.

Buffaloes player Jarrod Stokes also pleaded guilty to serious misconduct during half time of the game and was issued a two-game penalty.

Palmerston’s Taneisha Wilson was given a one-match penalty after pleading guilty to rough conduct in the fourth quarter of the Women’s Premier League match between Magpies and the Eagles.

A charge of serious misconduct against Wanderers water carrier Jeff Lloyd in the fourth quarter of the same game has been deferred to the next tribunal hearing.

A police investigation into alleged off field incidents following the Palmerston and Wanderers Men’s Premier League match remains ongoing.

Up to 15 players and officials charged following fiery weekend of NTFL footy

IT was a busy round 17 for the NTFL match review panel with up to 15 players and/or officials charged following a fiery weekend of Top End footy.

This came after police were called to Cazalys Arena following a serious incident after the Palmerston Magpies premier league match against Wanderers.

Palmerston Magpies released a statement on Monday stating the club would investigate the incidents and the club “rejects all forms of abuse and / or violence.”

That was followed on Tuesday with a statement from the AFLNT condemning the behaviour of individuals on what was the NO MORE round, a round to raise awareness against domestic and family violence.

Palmerston’s Desmond Corbett was charged with serious misconduct after the match and was referred directly to the Tribunal.

For his actions he was referred directly to the tribunal, after also accepting a reprimand for another low level offence.

Palmerston’s Murray Liddle was also in report trouble charges twice for using abusive, insulting or obscene language towards an umpire in the third quarter.

Elsewhere during the Darwin Buffaloes match against Wanderers coach Cameron Stokes and captain Jarrod Stokes were both charged for serious misconduct.

Jarrod Stokes was forced off the field early in the encounter through injury but alongside his coach involved himself in a dispute as on-field matters got heated in the second quarter.

Both Stokes were referred directly to the tribunal.

Buffaloes runner Steven Hayes was also charged for using abusive or obscene language at half time resulting in a two match penalty but he accepted a one match penalty with an early guilty plea.

Forward Hassan Ahmat-Watkins was charged with using insulting language at half time which was classified as audible from 50+ metres away resulting in a two match penalty but he accepted one match.

Fellow Buffaloes forward Adam Sambono was charged with striking Waratah’s Jake Bowd in the fourth quarter of the match.

The incident was classified as intentional conduct with low impact and high contact resulting in a two match penalty, though Sambono accepted a one match penalty.

Waratah players also ran afoul of the tribunal with James Munro charged with striking Aaron Stokes in the second quarter.

The incident was deemed intentional conduct with low impact and body contact resulting in a one match penalty, though Munro was able to accept a reprimand.

And Will Collis was charged with rough conduct against Tom Baulch in the third quarter against Buffaloes.

The incident was classified as intentional conduct with medium impact and body contact resulting in a two match penalty, down to one match after an early guilty plea was made.

In the Women’s Premier League Wanderers water carrier Jeff Lloyd was charged with serious misconduct in the fourth quarter against Palmerston. He was referred directly to the tribunal.

Leticha Lloyd, also of Wanderers, was charged with striking Palmerston’s Taneisha Wilson in the fourth quarter.

The incident was classified as intentional conduct with medium impact and body contact resulting in a two match penalty but chose to accept a one match penalty.

In turn Wilson was charged with rough conduct against Lloyd with the incident deemed intentional conduct with low impact and high contact resulting in a two match penalty but chose to contest the matter at the tribunal.

Tonya Norris of Palmerston was charged with rough conduct against Wanderers’ Celina Lloyd in the fourth quarter.

The incident was classified as intentional conduct with a low impact and high contact resulting in a two match penalty down to one match with an early plea.

And Shanoa Leedie, also of Palmerston, was charged with rough conduct against Leticia Lloyd which was classified as intentional conduct with medium impact and high contact resulting in a three match penalty down to two matches with an early guilty plea.

AFLNT condemns alleged incidents following Palmerston game

THE AFLNT has condemned the actions of select individuals following an alleged series of incidents that took place following Palmerston’s match against Wanderers at Cazalys Arena.

Following the Premier League NTFL match on February 12 it appeared multiple individuals became involved in a verbal altercation as both teams walked off the field.

NT Police Senior Sergeant Siiri Tennosaar confirmed on Monday that officers had been called to an “altercation” after the game but police had no further update on Tuesday.

Palmerston player Desmond Corbett was charged by the match review panel with engaging in an act of serious misconduct after the match.

He was also charged with a disputing an umpire’s decision in the fourth quarter of the Round 17 NO MORE match, a game which raises awareness against domestic and family violence.

The umpire dispute was deemed a low level offence by the match review panel resulting in a maximum one match penalty, however the charge of serious misconduct has seen Corbett referred directly to the Tribunal.

In a statement head of AFLNT Sam Gibson said it was a shame the behaviour of some individuals was ruining the game for everyone.

“Some of the behaviour that was displayed by individuals on the weekend was disgraceful and won’t be tolerated in our game,” he said

“Footy is an integral part of the community which is enjoyed by many. We offer a safe place to play and watch our great game and we want to keep it this way.

“For this kind of behaviour to occur, particularly during NO MORE Round, is incredibly disappointing.

“We understand the community is under immense stress due to the impact of COVID-19, however this is no excuse.

“Individuals involved in these incidents need to accept responsibility and the resulting consequences.

“People who wish to act like this are not welcome at the footy and can expect harsh sanctions imposed by their Club or the League.

“Ahead of the fantastic finals series that’s anticipated across all our junior and senior grades, we urge all those playing or attending the footy to remember what makes our game great and note that breaches of the TIO NTFL Codes of Conduct will not be tolerated.

“AFLNT will continue to be supportive of the wonderful band of Club volunteers and leaders who are proactively working to stamp out poor behaviour.”

Palmerston Magpies also released a statement on Monday stating the club would investigate the incidents and the club “rejects all forms of abuse and / or violence.”

Police called after ‘altercation’ at Palmerston NTFL game

Police are investigating an alleged incident after the Palmerston versus Wanderers game on Saturday night at Cazalys Arena.

Officers attended the scene after the Round 17 NTFL Men’s Premier League fixture for the NO MORE Round, which raises awareness about domestic and family violence.

It comes several weeks after AFLNT began investigating complaints from Wanderers regarding “behavioural issues” relating to alleged racial vilification after the Foundation Cup match against Waratah at Gardens Oval on Australia Day.

At the completion of the February 12 match, after Spirit of the Game awards were handed out to Palmerston defender Eric Guthrie and Wanderers’ Simon Bates, it appeared multiple people became involved in a verbal altercation as both teams walked off the field.

However, it is not clear at this stage why police were called to the ground after the match.

Tensions had earlier flared during a heated third quarter where several Palmerston defensive players became frustrated with a few umpiring decisions, in particular a deliberate out of bounds penalty.

Wanderers and Palmerston football club players linked arms before the NO MORE Round fixture at Cazalys Arena. Picture: Felicity Elliott.

After a 50m penalty was then called, resulting in an easy Thomas Motlop goal, one Magpie was sent away from the play by a Palmerston official and appeared to be reported by a central umpire.

“It’s getting ugly here,” one NTFL commentator said during the call.

NT News has asked AFLNT if any players were reported during the game.

NT Police Senior Sergeant Siiri Tennosaar confirmed officers were called to an “altercation” after the game.

“Investigations are continuing into the circumstances of the incident,” Snr Sgt Tennosaar said.

In a statement on Monday, Palmerston said its board would investigate “incidents” which allegedly occurred during and after the match.

“(The club) has a code of conduct that applies to all players, officials and supporters,” it said.

“Under the code of conduct, the club does not condone any aggressive or violent behaviour on or off the field.

“(We are) committed to a club culture that rejects all forms of abuse and/or violence. “Palmerston prides itself on being a family-orientated club, and we work extremely hard to build and maintain a safe environment for all of our valued members, supporters and patrons.

“(Our) board will investigate the matters under the club’s code of conduct and will advise of the outcome as soon as the investigation is complete.”

Any player or official provided with a notice under its code could not take part in the competition until the investigation was completed, the club said.

The league, Palmerston and Wanderers football clubs have been contacted for comment.

Originally published as NT Police have concluded an investigation into alleged 'incidents' after a Palmerston and Wanderers football match in February