FREMANTLE Dockers mid-fielder Heath Black says he is sorry for punching a man and pushing a policewoman in the chest after an all-day drinking session at Perth’s biggest horse race meeting.
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Black, 27, gave a public apology after copping a $5000 fine in the Perth Court yesterday for the assaults at the New Year’s Day races.
“I’d just like to say I deeply regret the events that took place at the Perth Cup this year,” Black said outside court.
“I’d like to apologise to them — the police that were involved at the Perth Cup, my family, friends and the people at the Fremantle Football Club — for my actions.”
Black was fined after pleading guilty to three charges of assault causing bodily harm, obstructing police and assaulting a public officer.
The court was told Black, who had been drinking beer all day at the races, had punched a man, 29, after he struck Black’s half-brother.
Police officers tried to restrain Black but the footballer pushed a policewoman, open handed, in the chest.
Black, who is one of the highlights on the field for the club, has voluntarily sought counselling for his actions after his January 2 arrest.
Outside the court, he said he was happy with the penalty.
“I know that I am in the public eye and my behaviour was unacceptable on the day,” he said.