Former AFL star Glenn Archer has been fined $2000 after pleading guilty to punching a runner during an under-15 football game despite initially claiming he merely pushed the volunteer to defend himself.
Archer, a two-time premiership player for North Melbourne, was convicted of unlawful assault, fined $2000 and agreed to pay the cost of breaking the runner’s glasses in the Heidelberg Magistrates Court on Friday.
Glenn Archer. Photo: Vince Caligiuri
Despite pleading guilty, Mr Archer was bitter at the decision, apparently believing he would be able to get away without a conviction and fine.
“Am I allowed to defend myself? You haven’t heard the full the story. Are we allowed to appeal this?” he said in court before his lawyer told him sit down.
The 44-year-old was watching his son play for Park Orchards Under-15s against Banyule in the Yarra Junior Football League in June when a fight erupted between two players on field.
Police told the court Archer argued with the boundary umpire before being asked to leave the the ground by the runner.
He punched the runner to the right side of his face, police told the court, breaking his glasses.
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Police said he down-played his involvement both to investigators and to the media afterwards, claiming the “striking of the victim was an open-hand push rather than a punch and he was defending himself”.
His lawyer said he apologised unreservedly.
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