Richmond defender Noah Balta has spoken out after his court-ordered curfew ruled he will not be able to play in some of the club’s fixtures over the next three months.
Balta was spared jail time for his assault of a man in December, but received a community corrections order on Tuesday which includes a 10pm curfew, given a criminal conviction, fined $3000 and must abstain from alcohol.
The side face Melbourne on Anzac Day eve this Thursday night, a marquee fixture the two clubs have built up in recent years.
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Noah Balta. Getty Images
Richmond also have the traditional Dreamtime clash with Essendon within that curfew period.
Due to his interstate travel ban, he won’t be able to play in round 12 against GWS either.
His lawyer pushed the magistrate regarding the impact this verdict would have on his ability to play, though this consideration was dismissed.
Balta must also pay the victim $45,000 in damages and has since apologised.
“I apologise to the victim, my family and friends, and everyone associated with the Richmond Football Club,” he said in a statement.
“I have let a lot of people down and the lesson has been learned that violence is never the answer.
“I will continue to work to improve myself to ensure this never happens again.”
AFL player Noah Balta leaves court after his sentencing at Albury Local Court. AAP
Richmond boss Shane Dunne said Balta has “paid a significant price as he should”.
“This club does not condone violence in any form, and it is why we took such a strong and immediate stand when this incident came to light,” he said.
“Noah has worked hard to improve himself in the months following the incident, undertaking education and counselling. That work will continue.
“With the judicial process now concluded, it remains our collective expectation that Noah learns from this, and we see the best version of him going forward.”
Balta returned for the Tigers on Saturday night in the club’s win over Gold Coast.
His appearance for the yellow and black caused plenty of controversy given he was yet to be sentenced after pleading guilty to assault.
