Donstuie wrote:
http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/richmonds-bachar-houli-guilty-of-intentionally-striking-carltons-jed-lamb-20170627-gwzv9t.html
Quote:
A character reference from Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and media advocate Waleed Aly persuaded the AFL tribunal that Bachar Houli was of such character that they halved his penalty for knocking out Carlton's Jed Lamb.
Houli was banned for two weeks with the tribunal declaring "it is very rare that we come across an example of such a fine character ... and on that basis it's a two week penalty."
The AFL's counsel Andrew Woods argued for a four week ban which he said was the starting point for the tribunal in any case of an intentional strike with high impact to the head. Houli's lawyer MIchael Tovey QC argued that on account of his character Houli deserved to serve only two weeks.
Houli argued that he had carelessly struck Lamb but had not intended to strike him as he was a peaceful and religious person and was shocked to find himself charged with intentionally hurting another person.
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The tribunal received glowing references from Mr Turnbull, Dr Aly and AFL diversity manager Ali Fahour which were argued should mitigate the claim he had intended to strike.
Are you @#$%&! kidding me?
well actually turnbull didn't give a character reference in relation to the tribunal hearing - would you believe that Richmond used a reference in a speech totally unrelated to the tribunal charge without seeking approval from the PM's office; and unsurprisingly the PM is not happy.
but then what would you expect from a dog club that harboured neil balme - remember Geoff southby and the 1973 GF?