The AFL is set to request two separate suspensions for Ben Stratton when the Hawthorn skipper fronts the tribunal on charges of multiple counts of pinching and a single stomping charge.
It is understood that the AFL's decision to refer the counts of pinching Orazio Fantasia to the tribunal was based on a view that a fine of several thousand dollars was inadequate for such an offence and that a guilty finding would warrant suspension.
Ben Stratton harasses and Orazio Fantasia on Friday night.Credit:AAP
Stratton, who will be defended by Peter O'Farrell QC on Tuesday night, faces a likely suspension for the charge of stomping on the foot of Essendon's Shaun McKernan, while the AFL's "serious misconduct" charge was made, rather than simply fining Stratton a fine of several thousand dollars.
Hawthorn and Stratton had not yet formulated a view on how they would defend the charges late Monday, although Stratton's public apology and remorse would indicate that he will acknowledge guilt, while hoping for a fine.
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Footage of the stomping incident, however, appears to show McKernan accidentally tread on Stratton's foot, which Stratton could argue was a provocation before he stomped on the Essendon forward's foot. The stomping charge is automatically sent to the tribunal and will be heard separately, with the Hawk skipper expected to receive penalties for both charges.
Shaun McKernan (left) reacts to Stratton allegedly stomping his foot.Credit:AAP
Stratton has shown considerable remorse for his actions and is believed to have spoken to his own player leadership group about the incidents, although had not yet spoken directly to Fantasia or McKernan – who was not hurt – since the game ended.
Stratton is understood to have privately admitted to have pinched in the past. Fantasia had several visible bruises on his arm, the image of which played a role in the AFL's decision to charge Stratton with serious misconduct.
It is completely open to the tribunal to either suspend Stratton – the outcome the AFL will seek – or to fine him, which was the outcome for Docker Ryan Crowley when he was found to have pinched North Melbourne great and games record holder Brent Harvey in 2013.
AFL football boss Steve Hocking has a say in the assessment of the incidents, along with match review officer Michael Christian, and the AFL recognises that the optics of the incidents are poor for the game, a reality underscored, too, by the comments of Hawthorn chief executive Justin Reeves, who condemned the actions and said they were not what the club stood for.
While Stratton has been accused of also pinching Brisbane's Charlie Cameron in round 11, Christian said there was "no clear evident presented of pinching" in that game. The Lions were incensed that Cameron did not receive any free kicks for the incidents in question – a position that the Bombers shared since Friday night.
Essendon players repeatedly raised the treatment of Fantasia by Stratton with umpires, however, the small forward did not receive a free kick.
There is a 2019 precedent for a player being charged with serious misconduct and escaping suspension, wRead More – Source
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