Richmond star Noah Balta has been suspended for four AFL matches as a result of the off-field incident that led to him being charged with assault.
Balta will also miss the Tigers’ two pre-season games, complete education programming and undertake counselling.
The 2020 premiership defender will be allowed to train with his teammates throughout his ban, which has been supported by the AFL.
The sanction comes after Balta was charged with assault following an incident in Mulwala, on the NSW-Victoria border, on December 30.
The 25-year-old is due to appear at Corowa Local Court on January 30.
A police statement at the time said a 27-year-old man was taken to Yarrawonga Hospital in a stable condition with a laceration to his head.
“Noah deeply regrets being involved in the incident,” Richmond CEO Shane Dunne said in a club statement on Thursday.
“He has assisted the NSW Police in their investigation and he is keen to have the matter concluded as soon as possible.
“While the outcome of the investigation and the charge will be a matter for the police and the courts, both Noah and the club accept that players can’t put themselves in these situations.”
Richmond’s senior players were consulted before the club decided on Balta’s sanction.
“After thorough consideration – which included discussions with the player leadership group – we arrived at a decision that reflects the seriousness of the incident and at the same time will help Noah address this behaviour,” Dunne said.
“The club will continue to support him through this period and our collective hope, and expectation, is that we will see the best of Noah on and off the field from this point on.”
The AFL on Thursday backed Richmond’s decision to suspend Balta.
“The AFL has been kept informed by Richmond of developments and is supportive of the club’s response and sanction,” the league said in a statement.
“The AFL will continue to monitor ongoing matters in court.”
Balta is a key plank in Richmond’s attempt to rebuild under second-year coach Adem Yze, having signed a bumper seven-year contract in October.
The deal ties the 104-game defender to the Tigers until the end of the 2032 season.
