Clarence initiates probe into scuffle

CLARENCE is undertaking its own independent investigation and wants the case reopened after the suspension of its trainer following last Saturday’s clash with North Launceston.

Trainer Randall Castle, father of Roos defender Tim Castle, was offered a two-match ban for behaviour detrimental to football, reduced to a one-week suspension with an early plea that was accepted by Clarence.

However, Clarence chief executive Richard Mulligan said the club was not satisfied with the investigation nor the outcome and said Castle only reluctantly accepted the ban because of time constraints.

Clarence alleges several North Launceston coaching staff and noncompeting players entered the Roos’ interchange area after the halftime siren at UTas Stadium. A scuffle soon followed between Castle and the members of the Northern Bombers.

“We think that there is more to it than has been identified and we are conducting our own internal investigation independently and the matter remains open as far as we are concerned in relation to the significant variation to what has been determined for our trainer vis a vis the other North Launceston players and officials involved,” Mulligan said.

“It seems strange that he’s the only one that has been suspended.

“It occurred in our interchange box and was not initiated by the Clarence Football Club.”

Mulligan said their investigation would be conducted independently.

“We are in the process of collecting statements, copies of video footage and still photographs ... we think the matter hasn’t been dealt with as we think it should have been,” he said.

The TSL also fined both clubs $200 for inappropriate conduct in the interchange area but these fines were wholly suspended.