11 hours ago
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A deeply 'frustrated and appalled' father has questioned how a suburban AFL player was only banned for one game after allegedly punching a teenager in the throat mid-match.
The shocking incident unfolded during a fixture featuring South Augusta and Proprietary/Risdon Lions Football Club on June 28 in South Australia.
South Augusta young gun Nate Munzer - who is only 16 - is reportedly 'still managing (an) ongoing throat issue' following the off-the-ball altercation.
'Let's be clear — this wasn't a scuffle or a bump. This was a deliberate and violent act by an A-Grade adult footballer against a junior U18 player,' Nate's dad, Bronte Munzer, said in a lengthy Facebook post, which also showed vision of the incident.
'The punch struck directly in the Adam's apple, causing him to lose his breath and struggle to breathe.
'He was left gasping and unable to speak properly for some time. He was out of action for several days, and even now — more than a week later — he's still dealing with ongoing throat issues.
A deeply 'frustrated and appalled' father has questioned how an A-grade footy player was only banned for one game after punching a teenager (wearing red) in the throat (pictured)
South Augusta young gun Nate Munzer (pictured, in red) - who is only 16 - is 'still managing (an) ongoing throat issue' following the off-the-ball altercation, according to his father
The teenager's father was in disbelief at the one-game ban issued to the Proprietary/Risdon Lions Football Club player (Nate Munzer is pictured)
'By giving just a one-game suspension, you've effectively said it's okay to violently strike a minor and miss one match.'
Munzer added a South Augusta player was recently issued a one-game suspension for 'showing his bike pants under his footy shorts'.
He was adamant the incident involving his son warranted a much bigger suspension.
'Are we seriously equating that (incident) with a violent act that endangered a young player's safety?,' he asked.
'As a parent, I trusted that this league had strong values and would take a firm stance on player safety, especially when it comes to our juniors.
'Right now, I'm struggling to see that.
'This isn't just about my son — it's about fairness, integrity, and sending the right message across all levels of the game.
'Our kids, and the sport, deserve better.'
In May, the Adelaide Footy League launched an investigation into disturbing allegations made during a senior women's match.
The claims centre on a runner from a southern suburbs club, who allegedly made violent threats toward opposition players during the heated on-field contest.
They allegedly included: 'I'll get her after the game,' and 'I'll pay $50 to f*** her up.'
It is believed the investigation is ongoing.
