Ovens and Murray: North Albury’s Josh Murphy two-match suspension upheld at tribunal

North Albury’s decision to challenge a two-match ban on young gun Josh Murphy at the Ovens and Murray league tribunal has backfired.

North Albury’s decision to challenge a two-match ban on young gun Josh Murphy at the Ovens and Murray league tribunal has backfired.

Murphy had the option of accepting a one-match ban for engaging in rough conduct against Albury on Anzac Day with an early guilty plea.

But North Albury rolled the dice at the tribunal on Wednesday where Murphy pleaded not guilty to aspects of the match review panel assessment of the incident, involving Albury’s Tom O’Brien in the second quarter.

North Albury argued the impact was low, not high, and contact wasn’t made to the head.

Video of the incident shows contact to O’Brien’s shoulder, which is still considered high.

Murphy was reported by umpire Ash Broughton on the day and spent 15 minutes out of the match with a yellow card.

North Albury lost the match by two points with Murphy’s shot on goal after the siren pushed wide.

Murphy won’t be able to play for the Murray Bushrangers this weekend while he is serving his two-match suspension from an Ovens and Murray match.

Meanwhile, the Ovens and Murray league has launched an investigation into the off-the-ball incident in the reserves match on Anzac Day that led to Albury reserves player Joshua Hudson requiring medical attention at hospital.

Albury Police is also looking into the incident, but has not laid charges.

EARLIER COVERAGE

An off-the-ball incident that led to an Albury reserves footballer suffering facial injuries has become the subject of a police probe.

Albury player Joshua Hudson, who is a policeman, reported the incident to police after being hospitalised as a result of the hit that occurred at the Albury Sportsground on Anzac Day.

“A 25-year-old man was allegedly punched in the jaw and knocked unconscious while on the field,” a NSW Police spokeswoman said.

“He was taken to Albury hospital for assessment, before being released.

“He later attended Albury Police Station to report the incident.

“Inquiries into the incident are continuing.”

There were no reports laid by the umpires in the match between Albury and North Albury.

The Ovens and Murray league was considering launching an investigation into the incident on Monday night.