THE family of a 16-year-old footballer suspended for 15 weeks during a junior football match is taking legal action against the Wangaratta and District Junior Football League.
The young College player, who the Wangaratta Chronicle has chosen not to name at this time, was handed the long-term sentence after being found guilty by the tribunal on four charges, stemming from a match on June 19.
He also received a further 12-week sentence, which was suspended until the end of the 2013 season.
A letter sent from the family's solicitor, Nevin, Lenne and Gross, states that: "Our client pleaded guilty to three charges with the exception of attempting to kick another player, a charge which he vehemently denied and continues to deny.
"On our instructions, the verdicts are manifestly excessive."
Solicitor John Suta has also requested an audio recording of the tribunal hearing on June 22.
"Our instructions are to ensure that natural justice prevails in this matter and to advise our client in respect to any legal avenues regarding what our client perceives as a manifestly excessive tribunal verdict," the letter states.
"The first step in the process of course requires us to carefully analyse the audio recording of the hearing, which will allow us to provide detailed legal advice to our client."
Mr Suta's letter also states that no appeal was made at the time by the club due to financial constraints and because they were out of time.
VCFL area manager John O'Donohue declined to comment when contacted by the Wangaratta Chronicle.
BY - JEREMY WILSON.
www.nenews.com.au
Last Modified on 19/08/2011 17:09