Player attacks spectator during local footy game
An Adelaide footballer has been slapped with a nine-week ban after a bizarre sideline bust-up at a stadium in the city’s north.
The round 7 Adelaide Footy League division three game was abandoned last month after the altercation involving Scotch Old Collegians’ Max Marslen.
In video of the incident, Marslen wrestles with a Pembroke Old Scholars supporter on the sidelines of the game at Coopers Stadium before the scuffle is broken up.
The altercation is understood to have taken place in the fourth quarter and resulted in Marslen being hit with a nine week ban for “serious misconduct”.
Scotch OC was separately handed a suspended fine of $1000 for Marslen’s role in the dispute, according to the Adelaide Advertiser.
The club was also reportedly fined $300 for three breaches of administrative roles, while Pembroke OS was also handed a $1000 fine for the supporter being involved.
The spectator, reportedly a former Pembroke OS player, was also hit with a lifetime ban from registering as an Adelaide Footy League player.
Adelaide Footy League chief John Kernahan told the Advertiser that both clubs had co-operated with an investigation into the scuffle.
“Marslen’s record of 195 matches without so much as a yellow card was also considered heavily in the suspended component of his penalty,” Kernahan said.
“The league’s tolerance to the behaviour of either the Pembroke supporter or the resulting actions of the scotch player were not in any way justified.
“But what it highlights is the absolute minority of those engaged with our clubs can ruin a good day out in what should otherwise be a positive experience.”
In a statement, Pembroke OS told the Adelaide paper that the club accepted the outcome of the league’s investigation.
“We thank the league for its support in guiding us through this matter,” the club said.
“We also thank Scotch College Old Collegians Football Club for the co-operation and goodwill shared between both clubs and the league throughout the process.”
