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WANGARATTA captain Matt Kelly was last night suspended for two matches by the Ovens and Murray tribunal after he was found guilty of headbutting.
However, the Magpies might appeal the ban on a technicality.
Advocate Enzo Bevacqua, representing Kelly, challenged the finding by suggesting Kelly had been charged with unbecoming conduct but suspended for headbutting.
The independent tribunal, chaired by Wayne Taylor, told Bevacqua, also an investigation officer, the ban would stand but the tribunal “was not the end of the road” and Wangaratta was entitled to lodge an appeal if it wished.
During the three-hour hearing, 11 witnesses gave evidence Kelly had engaged in unduly rough play with North Albury midfielder Brian Durbidge during last month’s fiery clash at Norm Minns Oval.
Kelly was sent to the tribunal on a recommendation from AFL Victoria Country officer Kevin Mayhew.
Kelly sat silent for most of last night’s hearing.
The hearing, which was due to start at 7pm, did not start until 8pm after neither club had received a document from the investigation that was required to be read.
None of the four umpires who gave evidence could recall the incident.
Durbidge, however, had a different view.
After tangling with Kelly in an attempt to block him during play, Durbidge said the Wangaratta skipper “came at him and went bang” with his head.
He said that contact split the bridge of his nose and forced him to leave the ground.
Kelly denied doing that but said it was possible his head had made contact with Durbidge unintentionally.
Durbidge claimed he had also suffered damage to a tooth in the clash and he was required to visit a dentist the following week.
Hoppers’ coach Jason Akermanis slammed the level of violence in the Ovens and Murray following that game.
The Pies host Wodonga Raiders on Saturday.
