TSL Heavyweights involved in off-field altercation; Blues coach avoids suspension.

Two of the TSL’s biggest names were involved in an altercation during the final round of the season with one due to be sanctioned by AFL Tasmania. SEE THE DETAILS.

THE coach of reigning TSL champion Launceston has been slapped with a $1000 fine and narrowly avoided a suspension that could have seen him miss the State League grand final after an off-field incident at North Hobart Oval last weekend.

Mitch Thorp, who coached Launceston to back-to-back premierships as the club eyes a third with the finals starting next weekend, was involved in an altercation with North Hobart president Craig Martin.

Mitch Thorp coach of Launceston was sanctioned by TSL management. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Following verbal abuse being directed at a North Hobart player during the under 18’s game, Martin and 18’s coach Matthew Ferguson approached the Launceston change rooms.

It was then when they were met by Blues senior coach Thorp.

The three become involved in a heated discussion outside the rooms about the on-field incident, with an alleged threat being made towards Martin.

TSL management released a statement on Friday afternoon confirming they were investigating an incident but the Mercury was made aware of the sanctions hours after the statement was released on Friday by multiple sources.

North Hobart President Craig Martin. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

The Launceston coach was charged with two breaches of AFL policy and Thorp was hit with a $1000 fine and a two match suspension.

The two match suspension was wholly-suspended on the condition Thorp did not further breach any policy in the National Community Football Policy Handbook for 12 months.

Blues president Sandra Boland was contacted by the Mercury and offered the following statement.

“LFC are resolute and comfortable with how our professional standards are implemented on and off the field. We take the matter very seriously and are working with AFL Tas to resolve the issue expediently,” Boland said.

Martin was also contacted for comment, revealing he left the ground following the incident last Saturday.

“Mr. Thorp’s behaviour was disappointing to say the least,” Martin said.

“Nobody should ever be subjected to what we were subjected to last Saturday ... it’s completely unacceptable and not befitting of a leader of the sport in Tasmania.”

It’s expected AFL Tasmania will release a statement on Monday.