Johnstone was reported by two umpires for a late hit on Kyneton’s Hamish Govan, which left the Tigers’ vice-captain with a fractured cheekbone.

Johnstone, who had not been reported in 11 years of senior footy prior to Saturday’s incident, pleaded guilty to the charge and then made a heartfelt apology to Govan, Govan’s family, the Kyneton Football Netball Club and the umpires.

“It has never been my intention to hurt or harm someone on the football field in the way it occurred on the weekend and I wish I had have acted differently,’’ Johnstone said as part of his apology.

“I understand my actions were careless and the cause of Mr Govan’s injuries… I take full responsibility for this, I feel terrible for what has happened and I hope we come to an outcome tonight that satisfies Mr Govan, his family and the Kyneton Football Club.”

Kyneton’s advocate Darren Edmondson told the tribunal that Govan would see a surgeon on Friday to determine if the cheekbone injury required surgery.

Edmondson said Govan would be sidelined for “anywhere between three to eight weeks”.

Tribunal chairman Russell Kelly said the panel was satisfied that Johnstone’s action was reckless rather than deliberate.

“The injuries suffered by Hamish Govan were substantial and we also took into account Dylan’s remorse and his guilty plea,’’ Kelly said.

“We have decided that Dylan will be suspended for the next three games.”

Johnstone will miss Square’s clashes with Castlemaine, Kangaroo Flat and Strathfieldsaye.