A SOLICITOR acting for a junior footballer suspended for next season over four offences yesterday received an assurance a recording and transcript from a tribunal hearing would be given to him.
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It followed a letter from John Suta to the North-East Football and Netball Hub general manager, Rod Carmody, saying an application may be made to the Supreme Court if the request was refused.
Mr Suta, from legal firm Nevin, Lenne and Gross, acts for a College player, 15, who was suspended at a tribunal hearing on June 22.
Four charges were brought against him after a Wangaratta Junior League match on June 19.
He was suspended for 15 weeks with an additional 12-week penalty hanging over him in 2013.
The decision has been described by Mr Suta as manifestly excessive.
The player pleaded guilty to three charges, but denied attempting to kick another player.
The College Junior Football Club contacted the Wangaratta and District Junior Football League in late June requesting a copy of the tape recording of the hearing and advice on the process to lodge an appeal.
The advice provided to the club was that under Victorian Country Football League rules any appeals of tribunal verdicts must be lodged by 2pm on the second day after a hearing.
No appeal was lodged due to the club’s financial constraints.
Mr Suta said a sum of $1250 was needed to lodge an appeal which was non-refundable along with a further $1500 that could be refunded.
Mr Suta said the junior football league considered the matter closed and refused to deliver the recording.
Now the recording and transcipt will be provided, Mr Suta said careful analysis of the hearing was needed to provide advice to the footballer and his family on their next step.
He will meet his clients on Monday to discuss the situation and decide what action will be taken.
