Fools do play first grade!

[No Idea]

I went out to watch a close encounter at Monarch on Saturday but couldn't believe what I saw before the ball had even bounced to start the game. For those that were not in attendance, No 12 for St George lined up opposite no.9 (Parker I think) for Campbelltown on the wing. Before the siren had sounded to start the game No. 12 tried to put No.9's jaw through the back of his head, hitting him at least 4-5 times flush. All no.9 could do was throw a couple of hand bag flutters in order to try and protect himself. Subsequently No.12 for St George was red carded and watched the game with the rest of us, whilst no.9 was sent off for protecting himself with a green card. To me the assault was before the game had actually even started and looked pre meditated. (No doubt Shearer will deny this) If a player attacked me before the beginning of the game I would consider taking police action. How is this different to being hit walking out of the changerooms? This was not at all in the heat of action during the game. No.12 is lucky that serious damage wasn't done. It'll be interesting to see the penalty imposed by the tribunal. If anything, the incident took away from the impressive victory enjoyed by St George, and highlighted that Campbelltown have a lot to improve on if they are to be title contenders.

[Bryan Strauchan]

If it's anything like the tribunal last week it will be a farce. I spoke to a bloke on the weekend regarding Josh Ryder of East Coast and after hearing what he said my thoughts on the tribunal were confirmed, they are a circus. Ryder pleaded guilty under severe provocation. He claimed he was grabbed several times on his privates and verbally challenged by his opponent. What was said verbally wont be printed on here but it was up there with the Selwood/Headland comments. The tribunal agreed and thought there should be a investigation. When will that come? Answer never! It will be interesting to see how the tribunal handles the case from the weekend. I could be wrong but I think no 12 is in the rep squad. I remember a case last year involving Livy from Norths on the eve of Rep footy. Suprise suprise he got off what many thought would be a long holiday. The worst part is they are a law unto themselves and don't have to back up or comment on any of their decisions!!

[Norris Lurker]

I wasn't at the game and therefore didn't see the incident. But as there were players sin-binned, one or more of them may have been reported. If that is the case, it would affect what people from either club who were involved are able to say on this forum until the tribunal has worked its way through the process.

But moving from the specifics of this case, there's a very interesting question that No Idea has hinted at, which could be worth exploring in greater detail.
As I mentioned before, I wasn't there and No Idea's report is the only thing I've heard about the incident. But it's unusual for players to be sent off before the umpire has signalled to the timekeepers to start the game - if that is indeed what happened. There may be provisions within the laws of the game or precedents that allow this to happen, but it's not something I've ever seen before.
On the other hand, if the incident was as No Idea reported, then it may be a case where common sense takes precedence over strict legalism. I didn't see the incident; but if that was indeed what happened, I think the umpire may have got it right.

[#31]

BS do u actually believe anything that comes out of the east coast camp?
or are you part of that camp?

east coast are just upset they lost what they thought was going to be an easy victory and ruined their back to baulko day

i dont recall spencer last year having a winge when he was suspended, obviously what he did was stupid but im sure he was being provoked by other players during the game.

fortunately it looks like east coast again this year wont be able to purchase their way to a premiership flag

[Bryan Strauchan]

#31, ECE is not the team I follow in the league but I do have a mate involved there. I am not whinging about the case but if the tribunal comes out and says the striking charge was under provocation and their needs to be an investigation their should be one. I would not have thought that was that hard to understand. I saw the Spencer incident last year and he has good reason not to whinge, he got 5 weeks instead of 8. His hit was cowardly (from behind) to one of the fairest, quietest players in the comp, Trent Goodrem. Hardly the grounds for provocation. Maybe he was upset that the PH player in question didn't do the same to him as he did to Ryder.

[Mr PHD]

Can the Rooster or KC shed any light on this incident or maybe the great Shearer?

I went out to watch a close encounter at Monarch on Saturday but couldn't believe what I saw before the ball had even bounced to start the game. For those that were not in attendance, No 12 for St George lined up opposite no.9 (Parker I think) for Campbelltown on the wing. Before the siren had sounded to start the game No. 12 tried to put No.9's jaw through the back of his head, hitting him at least 4-5 times flush. All no.9 could do was throw a couple of hand bag flutters in order to try and protect himself. Subsequently No.12 for St George was red carded and watched the game with the rest of us, whilst no.9 was sent off for protecting himself with a green card. To me the assault was before the game had actually even started and looked pre meditated. (No doubt Shearer will deny this) If a player attacked me before the beginning of the game I would consider taking police action. How is this different to being hit walking out of the changerooms? This was not at all in the heat of action during the game. No.12 is lucky that serious damage wasn't done. It'll be interesting to see the penalty imposed by the tribunal. If anything, the incident took away from the impressive victory enjoyed by St George, and highlighted that Campbelltown have a lot to improve on if they are to be title contenders.

[Norris Lurker]

Can the Rooster or KC shed any light on this incident or maybe the great Shearer?

No they can't, there's a tribunal hearing coming up and any comments on here would be prejudicial.

[Mr PHD]

Norris, no offence but I think they are old enough to speak when they like.

Please do not try to give this "judicial system" any credibility.

It is about time they made a complete example to stamp out any future thuggery and those that endorse it.

Otherwise, one day those on the receiving end will retaliate- a situatuin we should all avoid.

No they can't, there's a tribunal hearing coming up and any comments on here would be prejudicial.

[Norris Lurker]

Norris, no offence but I think they are old enough to speak when they like.

Please do not try to give this "judicial system" any credibility.

Whatever we think of the current incumbents at the tribunal, I don't know of a tribunal in any league in the country, even ones with credibility, that would take kindly to players involved in an incident or their coaches making public statements about the incident before the tribunal hearing.
Forums like this one are fantastic, and have given us an opportunity to discuss Sydney footy all week. Issues are able to be discussed. But these forums have to be used responsibly. It's not our role to investigate the incident, that's what the tribunal is there for.

[humphrey bear]

The AFL tribunal didnt have any issue with Des Headland and Fremantle polluting the airways for 2 days before his hearing justifying why he belted Selwood.

[Big Al]

I was at the game and it happened exactly the way No Idea said. Couldn't believe what I was seeing quite frankly. The Blues player had no choice but to defend himself.

On Campbelltown, this was first game I have seen this year and they were very disappointing. The skill level was terrible. They allowed St George too many easy clearances. Having said that St George do look like a very good side.

[Rafters]

The tribunal must have the heard the cases by now? What was the verdict? and what does SHearer, KC & Rooster have to say about the events that unfolded?

Sounds like someone (Lowry) will have to be a very brave man & be able to front up against the blues next time around or will he get a mystery virus??

[shearer]

Dan Lowry got 3 weeks.

Accusations that it was premeditated or ordered by Togs & his coaching staff are laughable but id expect nothing less from morons such as Mr Phd who wasnt even at the ground.

I will agree with one thing No Idea wrote in that its a shame that this small incident overshadowed such a dominant display, to have 12 senior players missing before the game and by the end of the first 1/4 be down to only 1 on the bench showed that the team can compete with top teams.

Rafters, i dont think you know Dan at all because im sure he will be playing against Campbelltown next time.

[Bryan Strauchan]

The faceless puppets at the tribunal strike again! C'mon Shearer be honest, do you expect us to believe that rubbish. Not premeditated. Do you have us believe that he went out there with no intentions of stirring up some trouble? 50% of people that follow footy in Sydney are morons but the other 50 % actually do know something about the game. Don't treat us like fools. If i ask you a question do you think you could answer it honestly? In light of recent tribunal decisions did you expect Lowry to get 3 weeks or something more substantial? Give us the truth.

P.S It is great to see the tribunal looking after a rep player again. Lees mysteriously will be available for selection. These bloke are a law unto themselves and have once again undermined Sydney football.

[Rafters]

In light of recent tribunal decisions did you expect Lowry to get 3 weeks or something more substantial? Give us the truth.

If the same thing happened in a Grand Final would the suspension still be 3 weeks? Probably try 20 weeks from what I have heard about the incident.