NORTH Albury coach Jason Akermanis says he has done nothing wrong and that local football officials are “out to get him” after news he was under investigation for alleged cyber bullying was made public at the weekend.
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The Ovens and Murray Football-Netball League is expected to announce an investigation into Akermanis this week after it was alleged the former Brisbane Lions star had repeatedly abused AFL North East Border umpire development manager Mark Bywater by email and by text message about umpiring issues this season.
AFL North East Border regional manager John O’Donohue told The Border Mail Akermanis and the Hoppers had been warned about the alleged behaviour, but the Brownlow medallist hit back at those claims yesterday.
“He (Bywater) never once told us to stop,” Akermanis said.
“We were just trying to help.
“We just sent videos to them explaining what was going on.
“That’s all we did.
“Nobody says anything and then all of a sudden it’s a huge problem.
“The intent of bullying is to try and harm someone, I mean, are you serious?
“I don’t know what it is, but I just get the feeling like they’re trying to get me.”
Akermanis said he had been made aware of the investigation last week but was shocked to find it on the front page of The Border Mail on Saturday.
“We were clearly told it was supposed to be confidential, which is fine, but next thing it’s on the front page of the paper,” Akermanis said.
“I don’t mind.
“I’m looking forward to speaking to the investigation officer. I have nothing to hide.”
AFL North East Border doesn’t have the power to launch investigations and referred the matter to the O and M.
If charges are laid they would be heard by the O and M independent tribunal.
It caps a big couple of weeks for the Hoppers off the field, with the embattled North Albury Sports Club going into voluntary administration earlier this month.
Members will learn more about the fate of the club at a meeting from 5.30pm tonight.