Footy boss in talks over junior clash

THE Southern Tasmanian Junior Football League’s investigation into an incident in an under-14 match will ramp up tonight when the league’s executive officer holds talks with the respective parties.

Tony Gibson will meet New Norfolk and Lindisfarne representatives after it was alleged a New Norfolk parent struck a Lindisfarne player at the end of the match last weekend at Tynwald Park in the Derwent Valley.

“The investigation is under way, we will have a briefing with a number of people in respect to that,” Mr Gibson said.

“We don’t expect any finalisation will come out of it but it will set us on the track of where we are headed.”

A number of junior clubs have voiced concerns with the STJFL about how the New Norfolk side is playing football. The Kingborough Tigers have threatened to boycott their next clash with the Eagles in August. Mr Gibson said he had no concerns about repeat incidents in junior girls football, despite a Lindisfarne player being knocked unconscious from a dangerous sling tackle last Sunday against Claremont.

The Claremont player fronted the STJFL tribunal last night, but Lindisfarne officials asked for an investigation into a number of similar tackles when the sides last played.

“Basically it [the investigation] came back to the sling tackle and back through the umpires to be alert for it,” Mr Gibson said.

“It’s about ensuring the rules are adhered to and correctly interpreted.

“I haven’t had complaints out of other games ... occasionally people get over zealous with their tackles.”

Tony Gibson