Two Belmont Lions Sporting Club members have been slapped with 12-month bans after verbally abusing and attempting to make contact with an umpire during the round 13 Geelong & District Football League clash against Bannockburn on July 15.
The incident occurred at three-quarter time during the senior football game and Belmont initially suspended the members for five matches.
However, the GDFL was unsatisfied with the punishment and ordered the members to be banned from attending matches and club functions for 12 months. They are also required to complete umpire respect and awareness training and to write a formal apology.
Belmont complied fully with an investigation into the incident and said the two members had shown remorse.
“Those involved have been forthcoming with information regarding the altercation, as well as showing genuine remorse for their actions and the impact this has had both on the match officials and the club as a whole,” it said in a statement.
“Belmont Lions Sports Club does not condone umpire abuse in any form: verbal, physical or otherwise implied. Our club has a zero tolerance to this behaviour and wish to advise that we have handled the matter internally, with sanctions handed down to the individuals involved.
“We will continue to aspire to providing a welcoming and safe environment for everyone and would like to pass on our sincerest apologies to the match officials involved.”
