Fahour on assault charges

FORMER AFL diversity manager Ali Fahour has been charged with assault over an alleged on- field punch during a Melbourne suburban football game.

Victoria Police yesterday confirmed Fahour was charged with recklessly causing injury, intentionally causing injury and unlawful assault.

He was playing for West Preston- Lakeside in the Northern Football League on Saturday when the alleged incident involving Whittlesea defender Dale Saddington happened.

Fahour was banned for 14 weeks by the NFL tribunal on Wednesday night, taking his career total suspensions beyond the 16- week threshold that triggers deregistration.

Following the tribunal decision, he quit his AFL role.

AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan has named Grant Williams as his temporary replacement.

Fahour on Wednesday said the game he had played for 29 years “has given me everything” and AFL is “the greatest game”.

“I am forever grateful for the role it has played in my life,” he said.

He is due to appear in the Heidelberg Magistrates Court on October 11.