Arabic version: فوغارتي يخسر طعنه أمام المحكمة بشأن إيقاف لثلاث مباريات

According to ABC News, Adelaide forward Darcy Fogarty has failed in his AFL Tribunal challenge against a three-match ban for striking Sydney player Harry Cunningham. The Tribunal panel found Fogarty had time to decide how to approach Cunningham and upheld the penalty.

Fogarty was charged over a high hit on Cunningham during the second quarter of Adelaide’s match against Sydney at the SCG. Cunningham had jumped to contest the ball inside Sydney’s defensive 50 when Fogarty made contact. The incident was assessed as careless conduct, severe impact and high contact.

Cunningham was ruled out of the game with concussion and will miss Sydney’s match against cross-town rival GWS. AFL counsel Andrew Woods KC said the contact was direct and made on a player whose eyes were on the ball. He said Cunningham was visibly affected, remained on the ground and needed support staff to help him leave the field.

Adelaide argued that Fogarty’s action was not a strike and that, if it was, the impact should have been graded high rather than severe. Tribunal chair Jeff Gleeson said the panel was comfortably satisfied Fogarty committed the striking offence, finding he swung his right arm forcibly towards Cunningham’s upper body and head.

Fogarty will miss Adelaide matches against Collingwood, Essendon and Richmond. He had kicked four goals in the Crows’ win over Sydney.