West Perth Football Club has an opportunity to appeal the decision from last night’s tribunal which resulted in Reserves footballer, Mitchell Antonio, being suspended for 10 weeks.
Antonio was charged by the WAFL Match Review Panel following a tackle in the Reserves Derby between East Perth and West Perth last Saturday, that resulted in Manjimup youngster Beau Chatley being taken to Royal Perth Hospital Intensive Care Unit with neck and spinal injuries.
Antonio pleaded not guilty to the charge of rough conduct, but based on the evidence before the WAFL Tribunal, he was found guilty.
The WAFL adivsed that the tribunal is an independent process with an independent Chairman.
“Last night’s tribunal was based on all evidence including vision, umpire summary, player testimony and a medical report,” A WAFL press release stated.
“Mitchell Antonio was found guilty of rough conduct for a careless takcle that resulted in high contact with severe impact.
“West Perth now has an opportunity to appeal the decision from last night’s tribunal and we respect their rights to make this decision by 7.30pm tonight.”
Support for Antonio and for Beau Chatley has been extensive within the football community and families.
It is still unknown how severe the injuries to Beau Chatley are with East Perth club director David Christison saying that the long term prognosis would not be known for a while.