GSFL 2023: Magpies defender Barry Roberts suspended in the wake of red card and report in loss to Kangas

Denmark-Walpole defender Barry Roberts has been suspended for striking in his side’s loss to North Albany in round 12 of the Great Southern Football League on Sunday. Roberts received a red card and was reported for striking Kangas’ Angus McKercher in the fourth quarter of the 110-point defeat at Collingwood Park. The GSFL confirmed this week Roberts had been banned for one match. Roberts was reported for intentionally or carelessly striking another person. He was offered a two-game ban which was then downgraded to one following an early guilty plea. Roberts has played 10 games this season and been an important senior figure for the bottom-placed Magpies, who have had only one win. He will miss Saturday’s fixture against Mt Barker and is available to return in their round 14 clash with Royals. The GSFL has also investigated an incident at the end of the Bulls and Railways clash at Sounness Park on Saturday. A small melee broke out between Tigers and Bulls players after the final siren, and Bulls assistant coach Gary Pope became involved before he was removed by officials from his own club. The GSFL looked into the incident through a recording of the live stream of the game and the league has accepted that the Bulls will deal with the matter internally. GSFL general manager Ian Beeck said he was pleased with how the live stream served as a useful tool for these incidents. “It’s a part of the live stream that is a big positive,” he said. “The fact that it’s captured gives us definitive evidence. “They (Bulls) have been very mature about it and will provide us with their outcome.” In round 13, the Magpies will host the Bulls at McLean Park. In the other Saturday clash, old rivals the Tigers and Lions will square off at Tigerland. Albany will face the Kangas in the sole Sunday fixture at Retravision Stadium.