By BEN CAMERON
THREE South East Junior footballers have received four-week suspensions following an incident which left a Tooradin player with a broken leg in two places.
The injured Tooradin player was penalised for striking and two Officer players for rough conduct following an incident just before quarter time in an Under 14 Division 2 fixture at Officer Recreation Reserve on Sunday 27 July.
Police attended the ground and initially investigated “an alleged assault” however it referred the matter back to the league for investigation after it found no evidence of malicious behaviour.
League general manager Shaun Connell said after a week-long independent investigation, and a two-hour tribunal hearing on Tuesday night, the 14-year-old’s leg injury was “accidental”.
“The league will not go into details about the incident,” league general manager Shaun Connell said.
“We will not reveal who gave evidence. Three cases were heard as part of the one incident.
“One of the teams decided to end the game early. Clubs will be advised of the final result in due course.
“It’s an isolated incident for the league. We will continue to work hard to educate coaches, players and spectators and provide a safety environment.”
Tooradin vice-president Derek Genoni said the incident was shattering for the young Tooradin player.
“The boy has broken both bones in his lower leg at the end of the quarter,” he said.
“It’s very sad, he won’t be playing footy for the rest of the year.”
The Tooradin player sustained a serious break to the leg which required surgery.
“We can also confirm that Victoria Police attended the ground and are making their own inquiries.”
Officer Football Club declined to comment.
