AFL Northern Territory (AFLNT) advises that Anthony Vallejo, coach of St Mary’s Football Club, has been charged with breaching AFLNT’s Code of Conduct & Conditions of Entry following comments he made at the conclusion of the TIO NTFL Men’s Premier League match between St Mary’s and Nightcliff Football Club at TIO Stadium on Saturday 14 March 2020.
The AFLNT Executive upholds the Code of Conduct and oversees any breaches of it.
As such, it is the view of the AFLNT Executive that the expression Vallejo used, which was easily audible to spectators at the venue and also via AFLNT's live stream, is a Category 2 offence.
A Category 2 Offence usually carries an automatic 10-week suspension for a first offence, but the AFLNT Executive has exercised its right to amend the penalty, given Vallejo's past history and good behaviour, involvement in NT Academy programs and apology in the NT News printed on Monday 16 March.
In summary, the AFLNT Executive has recommended Vallejo receive a two-match suspension.
As outlined in the Code of Conduct, the process is as follows:
The individual (or the club on behalf of the individual) must respond within five business days of receiving notification of this penalty.
1. If AFLNT has not received a response by 5pm on the fifth business day, it will be deemed that the penalty has been accepted and no further avenue for appeal will be available to that individual.
2. If an individual (or the club on behalf of the individual) would like to challenge the charge, the matter may be sent directly to a Match or Disciplinary Tribunal (whichever is appropriate), for determination.
AFLNT will make no further comment.
