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Source: The Mercury
By: JAMES BRESNEHAN
HOBART has lodged an appeal against the suspension of defender Ben Stewart for head-butting -- a ban that threatens to cost him the rest of the SFL Premier League finals series.
Stewart was booked for head-butting New Norfolk player Matthew Smith in their first semi-final clash at Boyer on Saturday.
The SFL Tribunal found Stewart guilty and dished out a three-match suspension.
That cost Stewart his place in the preliminary final against Clarence at North Hobart on Sunday, a spot in the grand final against North Hobart the following weekend if Hobart knocks off the Roos, as well as the opening round of next season.
Hobart lodged the appeal and $500 fee with the SFL yesterday afternoon.
Club president Phillip Baker believes there were good grounds for Stewart's case to be reheard.
``The nature of the appeal is two-fold,'' Baker said.
``We believe the penalty is, with all circumstances taken into account, excessive.
``And we believe that the due process as laid down in the by-laws of the SFL were not adhered to.
``As a consequence, we believe the [tribunal] findings are not sustainable.''
An appeal hearing has been organised for 5.30pm tonight.
By: JAMES BRESNEHAN
HOBART has lodged an appeal against the suspension of defender Ben Stewart for head-butting -- a ban that threatens to cost him the rest of the SFL Premier League finals series.
Stewart was booked for head-butting New Norfolk player Matthew Smith in their first semi-final clash at Boyer on Saturday.
The SFL Tribunal found Stewart guilty and dished out a three-match suspension.
That cost Stewart his place in the preliminary final against Clarence at North Hobart on Sunday, a spot in the grand final against North Hobart the following weekend if Hobart knocks off the Roos, as well as the opening round of next season.
Hobart lodged the appeal and $500 fee with the SFL yesterday afternoon.
Club president Phillip Baker believes there were good grounds for Stewart's case to be reheard.
``The nature of the appeal is two-fold,'' Baker said.
``We believe the penalty is, with all circumstances taken into account, excessive.
``And we believe that the due process as laid down in the by-laws of the SFL were not adhered to.
``As a consequence, we believe the [tribunal] findings are not sustainable.''
An appeal hearing has been organised for 5.30pm tonight.