Warrnambool and District Football Netball League’s independent tribunal chairman Terry O’Keefe is warning footballers to tell the truth or pay a price.
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Wednesday night’s tribunal slapped Timboon Demons captain Ash Hunt with a one-match ban after finding his evidence to be unsatisfactory during a headbutting case.
Panmure’s Kallan Melican copped a four-match suspension for an alleged headbutt on Hunt in the May 14 match between the sides.
Hunt’s penalty came after both players – as well as witness Shaun Griffin, from Panmure – denied Melican had headbutted the Demons’ leader, instead insisting a fist caused a gash above his eye.
Players are warned at the beginning of each tribunal sitting that, although they are not under oath, they are expected to be truthful in their responses.
While the rule is not often implemented, the tribunal has the power to issue penalties if it believes a player has not been completely accurate in giving evidence.
“The rule states that if we believe one of the clauses of that rule has been breached, we can impose any penalty we see fit,” O’Keefe said.
“The rule is read out at the start of the hearing and (if you) breach the rule, you risk paying the consequences.”
It is not yet known if Timboon Demons will appeal the penalty.
The club declined to comment when approached by The Standard on Thursday.
If the club does not appeal, Hunt will miss the Demons’ clash with Nirranda on Saturday.