Fremantle have informed the AFL that the Club will not appeal last’s night AFL tribunal decision to uphold Andrew Brayshaw’s one-game suspension.
The tribunal deemed that Brayshaw ‘intentionally’ made ‘unreasonable or unnecessary’ contact with Jarrod Berry’s eye region during Sunday’s clash with Brisbane.
Despite Brayshaw denying that his actions were intentional, the tribunal upheld the decision of the AFL’s Match Review Officer to suspend Brayshaw for one match.
Executive general manager of football Peter Bell said there were no grounds of appeal that lead to a realistic chance of success under the AFL’s criteria including; error of law, classification of offence was manifestly excessive or inadequate, or the sanction imposed was manifestly excessive or inadequate.
“After the tribunal's decision last night, the Club and its tribunal representatives considered the grounds for appeal and have made the decision to accept the finding,” Bell said.
Brayshaw said he was also disappointed to be missing this Sunday’s RAC Derby, but would move on and work to support the team as well as he can off the field.
“I am very disappointed with the outcome of last night’s tribunal hearing,” Brayshaw said.
“As I mentioned during the hearing, making contact with an opponent’s face in that manner is never something I would intentionally do.
“However, I have to accept the tribunal’s decision and all I can do now is support our players and coaches for this week’s game and I look forward to returning for the remainder of the season.”
