THE Bendigo Football-Netball League board doesn’t believe a three-game suspension handed to Sandhurst’s Pascale Craig is adequate and is appealing.
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Craig was suspended for three matches by the BFNL independent tribunal on Wednesday night after pleading guilty to a report of making “careless contact to an umpire” late in last Saturday’s loss to Eaglehawk.
The BFNL announced on Friday it was appealing the penalty following a request from the Bendigo Umpires Association for it to be reviewed based on the charge.
“In making the decision the board reviewed the penalty and in this case decided that it was appropriate to appeal the penalty as set down by the independent tribunal based on the nature of the charge,” BFNL manager Dennis Bice said in a statement.
As of Friday afternoon, Bice was still waiting for confirmation of when the AFL Victoria appeal hearing would be heard.
Video footage played to the tribunal, chaired by Russell Kelly, showed Craig’s right leg making contact with central umpire Matthew Bourke, who tripped and fell while running backwards exiting a ball-up.
Craig – a premiership player with Sandhurst last year – acknowledged the contact to Bourke, but said in his evidence his leg movement was a reaction to his foot being stood on by Eaglehawk’s ruckman.
Bendigo Umpires Association chairman Craig Findlay welcomed the BFNL’s decision to lodge the appeal.
“We were disappointed with the penalty of three matches given it was a report of making contact with an umpire, so we’re happy to see that there will be an appeal,” Findlay said.
Sandhurst president Chris Greene says the Dragons are disappointed that the ruling of the independent tribunal is being appealed and that the matter will continue into next week.
“Sandhurst presented a case in defence of Pascale Craig by advocate Peter Watson and the independent tribunal found the case he presented warranted the suspension that was given against the case presented by the BUA,” Greene said.
“We went to the tribunal understanding the severity of the case and we prepared accordingly.
“An accident happened… it possibly could have been a free-kick, but it ended up being a tribunal appearance and Pascale, along with Peter Watson, was there to defend himself.
“The decision was made by an independent body… nothing to do with Sandhurst Football-Netball Club or the BFNL.
“Whatever happens next week, we’ll abide by the decision and hope that everyone else is happy with whatever is decided.”
Tribunal chairman Russell Kelly said it would be inappropriate to comment on the BFNL’s appeal, but added: “We as a panel made a considered decision in which the penalty reflected the charge.”
Meanwhile, Findlay said the BUA would also work to ensure future situations that delayed the hearing of evidence in the Craig case were avoided after the BUA had sought to have the report amended from “careless” contact to “intentional”.
The request was made by BUA advocate Peter Hilson after Craig had pleaded guilty to “careless” contact and after deliberation by the panel was denied.
“It’s something we’ve got to work on within our group to make sure it doesn’t happen again,” Findlay said.
“As to whose fault it was, we’re not laying blame at anyone yet. We’ve got to work out what the proper procedure should have been on when a charge can be changed.”
Sandhurst, which is six points outside the top five, plays South Bendigo on Saturday.