Koppen to run out for Cairns FC

CAIRNS FC midfielder Bronson Koppen will be free to play this weekend after being fined $750 for common assault.

The 24-year-old pleaded guilty to the charge after an incident at The Woolshed late last year.

Koppen was said to be immediately remorseful for the incident and co-operative with police, leading to a fine and no conviction being recorded.

Cairns FC chairman Peppi Iovannella said the club did not condone violence and had dealt with the incident internally.

“The incident occurred under the club’s previous administration. Nevertheless we don’t condone that sort of behaviour, and Danny Graystone (coach) and the board have a strict policy on any sort of indiscretions on and off the field,” he said.

“We have dealt with the matter internally and Bronson has apologised personally to the board and playing group.

“He has assured me that the has learnt a valuable lesson.”

Cairns FC take on Western Pride at Walker Road Sports Precinct, Edmonton on Saturday night. The new venue, replacing Leichhardt Lions’ field originally scheduled to host the game, was given the final seal of approval yesterday.

Cairns FC sits in eighth place on the NPL ladder with a game in hand to this weekend’s opponents Western Pride, who are in second and boast the best goalscoring record in the league.