An amateur soccer player who was struck in the face by Labor MP Josh Wilson during a match has revealed he is still waiting for a personal apology from the politician. The incident occurred during a game between Wilson's side, Fremantle City FC, and University of WA-Nedlands.
Details of the Incident
Wilson, the federal member for Fremantle, was red-carded and subsequently suspended for five matches after the altercation. According to a referee report seen by 7NEWS, Wilson "turned around and punched an opponent in the face with his fist." Wilson admitted it was the first red card he had ever received and said he would accept the suspension without dispute.
Wilson's Response
"I regret the incident in that I don't play sport for, sort of, argy-bargy," Wilson said this week. "I play sport for the teamwork and camaraderie and the fitness and all of the rest of it. But I'm like every Australian — I play according to the rules and according to the requirements of the league." Wilson, a left back, noted that his team played with one fewer player for about 75 minutes on a stormy Sunday.
Explaining the suspension, Wilson said: "If you get a red card, you get a week. And if it's a red card that involves a bit of a contretemps, a bit of afters, as some people say, it's four weeks on top of that. It's a very standard suspension. There's lots of suspensions like that in the Football West League. I'm disappointed. I apologised to the UWA guys who came back for a beer at the Fremantle City clubrooms after the game."
The Victim's Account
The other player involved told 7NEWS he was not seriously hurt. However, he said he has reached out to Wilson since the game and would appreciate an apology, but has not heard back. Wilson said he asked his opponent's teammates to pass on his apology.
Legal Implications
Lawyers have noted that a punch could be considered assault if reported to police, a charge that can carry jail time. "It would be a maximum two years, $24,000 fine if dealt with in the magistrates court," said Lisa Fernandez of Hammond Legal.
Political Reactions
Labor colleagues in Western Australia have stood by Wilson but condemned on-field violence. "He's a public figure and a leader in the community, and there's that extra level of standard that I think people expect from their behavior," WA Premier Roger Cook said on Thursday. WA Education Minister Sabine Winton added: "The community holds politicians to a much higher standard, and I know that Josh regrets his actions."
