A former AFL official who was involved in the Brownlow Medal betting controversy has endured a violent altercation during a local Aussie Rules football match, leaving him battered and bleeding.
Video footage revealed by the Herald Sun captured the moment Michael Pell suffered a headbutt from an opposing player during a game on Saturday.
Witnesses revealed that Taylors Lakes players engaged in provocative taunts directed at Pell, asking: “Who’s getting the three votes today?” They also repeatedly called out “Dan Hannebery, three votes”.
Pell, with blood streaming down his face, displayed his injuries to an umpire while indicating Nicholas McIntosh, the opponent responsible for the assault.
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McIntosh received a three-match suspension for his actions during the third-quarter skirmish at Martin Reserve.
The altercation erupted when McIntosh forcefully shoved Pell into the boundary fence, ultimately culminating in a headbutt as they grappled. Roughly eight players were involved in the ensuing brawl, which persisted even as the boundary umpire resumed play by returning the ball to the field.
Pell sustained a severe gash on his forehead, requiring medical attention. At the time, umpires did not report McIntosh; however, he later accepted a three-match ban for misconduct, as confirmed by the EDFL (Essendon District Football League).
Pell found himself in the spotlight following another altercation that broke out during the first quarter.
As Pell successfully scored a set-shot goal, he faced taunts from opponents, leading to another fracas involving around 16 players during the ensuing celebration.
An umpire presented Pell with a yellow card while he lay on the ground.
The umpire immediately proposed a two-match ban for Pell, who contested the charge at the EDFL tribunal on Wednesday night. However, Pell was found guilty of striking and subsequently handed a two-match suspension.
Maintaining his innocence, Pell has the option to appeal the decision and must make a choice before 12pm on Thursday.
It is important to note that Pell was reported for making contact with a different opponent, not McIntosh. Additionally, one of Pell‘s teammates accepted a two-match ban for striking during the intense Division 2 match.
Brett Pitts, the coach of Hadfield, urged both players and spectators to provide Pell with a supportive environment upon his return to the game.
Pitts emphasised Pell’s efforts to rebuild his life and described him as a good person. He further urged everyone to move forward, leaving the past behind.
In recent statements, Pell expressed the hardships he has faced in the past nine months since his arrest for allegedly leaking last year‘s Brownlow Medal votes.
He resigned from the league in late 2022 despite no charges being laid by Victoria Police.
You can read the full story on Herald Sun.
