Lloyd's confusion over Tribunal act

Matthew Lloyd, a former Australian Rules Football (AFL) player and current commentator for Channel 7's coverage of the AFL, has expressed his view that the AFL should eliminate the use of character references in mitigating suspensions for players. This controversy stems from recent incidents where players have received reduced suspensions due to favorable character references submitted during disciplinary hearings.

The AFL's disciplinary process involves the Match Review Panel (MRP) determining whether a reportable offense has occurred during a match. If the MRP deems that a reportable offense has taken place, they will issue a charge and propose a sanction. The player or their club can then challenge this decision at the AFL Tribunal.

Character references are statements from individuals who can vouch for the player's good conduct and behavior, often submitted during tribunal hearings to demonstrate remorse and mitigate the severity of the offense. However, there have been instances where these references have led to reduced suspensions for players, which has sparked criticism and debate within the football community.

One such instance occurred in 2020 when Essendon's Devon Smith received a three-match ban for striking Collingwood's Brodie Mihocek during a game. Smith's club submitted character references from teammates and coaches, which led to the tribunal reducing his ban to two matches. This decision was met with significant backlash from fans and pundits, who argued that Smith's actions warranted a more substantial penalty.

Another example is the case of Port Adelaide's Ollie Wines, who was initially suspended for five matches for striking Geelong's Quinton Narkle during a game in 2019. However, after submitting character references, Wines' ban was reduced to three matches by the tribunal.

These instances have led Matthew Lloyd and other critics to call for an end to the use of character references in mitigating suspensions. They argue that such references should not be considered during disciplinary hearings as they do not address the actual offense committed by the player. Instead, they believe that suspensions should be based solely on the severity of the offense and the player's past disciplinary record.

The AFL has not yet responded publicly to these calls for change. However, it is worth noting that the use of character references is not unique to the AFL; it is a common practice in many sports and legal contexts. Ultimately, the debate surrounding this issue highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing the need for fair and consistent discipline with the desire to acknowledge the complexities of individual cases and the human element involved in sports.