THE Fingal Valley Football Club has hit back at the NTFA, claiming that it has been unfairly treated.
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It will appeal against the penalty handed to it following the investigation of the brawl in its game against Old Scotch two weeks ago.
Fingal president Stephen Smart apologised for his club's actions on the day but said the club felt that it had been hit with the heavier penalty in the form of a $6000 fine and the loss of all of its 24 premiership points gained so far this season.
Old Scotch received a $4000 fine and forfeited 16 points.
``We would like to take this opportunity to apologise to the NTFA clubs, the board and the sponsors of the NTFA,'' he said.
``We would also like to apologise to our supporters and our sponsors for our involvement in the incident that occurred between our club and Old Scotch on May 10.
``As a club we are embarrassed at our part in the incident.
``However, as a club we feel that due to the unfair distribution of penalties as delivered by the NTFA, we have no alternative but to appeal the decision of the board.''
Smart said Fingal's appeal would be based on three points: the unequal forfeiture of premiership points, the unequal monetary fines imposed and the loss of four premiership points gained the week after the brawl.
``The unequal forfeiture of premiership points has made it near-impossible for our club to make the top five while Old Scotch have been left with enough points to ensure they have a real shot at making another finals berth,'' he said.
``Our belief is that both teams started the week out on equal points and both teams should be reduced to equal points.
``As far as the unequal monetary fines are concerned, it is our opinion that even though Old Scotch started the incident, we have been deemed more at fault without an explanation of why.
``Our view is that both teams share an equal responsibility in the melee, so both teams should share in an equal penalty.''
Smart said he could not understand how the NTFA could take away the four premiership points that Fingal was awarded for its win over Old Launcestonians when the game was played a week after the incident.
Old Scotch president Rafe Bell could not be contacted for his club's reaction to the penalties.