The Lions’ $5000 penalty is set to be suspended until December 31, 2018.

“It’s the first one I know of,” league general manager Dalton Wegener said.

“Board members thought the code of conduct may have been breached, they’re within their rights to call an investigation.”

Culcairn had a controversial finish to the season.

Dane Hallinan was suspended for four matches in August and then Tim Haines received the same ban for rough conduct.

Haines fronted the tribunal on a Friday night, with league board members claiming animosity from disgruntled Culcairn supporters.

The Lions then played Rand-Walbundrie-Walla in the first semi-final at the Walbundrie Sportsground two days later, with officials again alleging abuse was directed at them.

An investigation was launched in late September with the officer recommending to the board the hefty suspended fine.

The Lions’ president said the club is unlikely to appeal the pending decision.

“Not at this stage,” Brendan Sheather said.

However, Sheather said the club will question the league on two issues.

“The value of the fine, I question that to make sure that ruling’s OK,” he said.

“Then the league board launched the investigation and those guys then hand down the penalties.”

The league reiterated the investigation officer is independent.

While the fine stands, the league must approve issues before it’s implemented.

Sheather was quizzed if the club was treated fairly.

“It’s hard to say, I think the board’s done what they think they should and we’re going to cop whatever penalties,” he said.

“We want to make sure everything’s by the letter of the law.”