Big Bad Bustling Barry Hall. What were you thinking?

To debate the answer to that question is a pointless exercise. No-one, in their right mind, could provide the explanation why the hot-headed Swan chose to wage war with his left fist, putting Eagle Brent Staker that far into next week it could have - according to brain experts - had him leaving Sydney in a coffin rather than a commercial jet.

Instead, the football fraternity should be sitting in judgement of its inconsistent judiciary process which must decide on Tuesday how long Hall should sit in silence for his moment of madness.

This is the first case in recent memory that has transcended the industry to what is considered socially acceptable.

The Match Review Panel, a three-man panel headed by Carlton's 1995 premiership star, couldn't decide. It sent Hall straight to the other judge: another three-man bench, which is rotated largely from ex-players who use their on field experience to impose football standards at the expense of those who might impose community standards.

Those, the jury, you and me, have already handed down our decision.

It would seem everyone, pardon the new GG, has had their say on what punishment Hall should be forced to swallow.

But to place Hall's left hook in context, the league's judiciary must consider what messages it has previously sent.

Last season, the tribunal gifted St Kilda's Steven Baker a seven week imposition for engaging in rough conduct against Fremantle's Jeff Farmer. They found he acted recklessly and that he made high contact to Farmer with high impact.

Collingwood's Ben Johnson, also in 2007, accepted a six-match suspension for forceful head-high contact to Melbourne's Daniel Bell.

Had he have contested the charge at the tribunal, he would have risked an eight match ban.

McKay decided this week that Geelong's Trent West had no case to answer for shirt fronting St Kilda's Xavier Clarke; West knocked him unconscious and forced him to be stretched from the group.

The MRP ruled that it was okay for West to bump an unsuspecting opponent metres from the play yet convicted Hawk Jordan Lewis of a trivial love-tap and banished him for a week.

Seem confused?

You have good reason to be. The decision-makers have lacked consistency and an understanding of what we view to be right and wrong. Regardless of its verdict on Hall, the tribunal will be assessed by the most important court: the court of public opinion.

Now, more than ever, the system is on trial and it need reflect the outrage of us.

The tribunal must punch just as hard as Barry Hall.

Your Comments

7 Comments

. rodneylane60 - Apr 16 08:51am

what about the tripping charge on mooney justin fletcher got suspended for thne same thing

. wuchang1970 - Apr 16 01:17pm

This bloke should be handed a jail sentence for three to six months for assault. This is to set an example for other players and send the message that unacceptable behaviour will not be tolerated. The seven match ban is a measly sentence that does not even let it sink in that Barry Hall has done something that was terribly wrong. He should have been banned for two or three seasons. He deserves exemplary punishment for loutish behaviour.

. brayds2000 - Apr 16 04:03pm

He should be charged by the police

If he did that in the street he would have been

. f_coulson - Apr 17 05:24pm

Don't worry there will be plenty of mothers throughout Aust. who will surely now think twice about letting their son's play Aussie Rules.Brent Staker is a very lucky man not to have sustained more serious injury. It appears that the AFL - who have arranged the softening of the game over the years - unlike Rugby where the players expect the same old, same old - will allow attacks on unsuspecting players to be treated with paltry suspensions.It seems only Barry is permitted to play circa 1970's.

. ghettodreaming - Apr 18 07:53am

Barry cops that much physical attention from opponents then they have a cry when they cop it back. As for this whole "if it happened on the street" garbage. Well if it happened on the street the initial assault ie Stakers push and shove would be seen as provocation even put the retaliation in terms of self defence. Yeah Barry threw a punch but people carry on like he is the only one to ever have had a bit of biffo on the paddock. In the words of HG and ROY " A bit of biffo is good for the game"

. billywhizz61 - Apr 19 10:11am

With regards to Barry Hall, his actions were those of a Neanderthal thug. I sincerely hope that charges are brought against this brutal thuggery that is supposed to be OK in sport.
I spend a lot of time trying to teach my son how he should act at school and in society . All of that work is undone when he sees one of his sporting heroes king hit another person. Even worse is that so many others are willing to defend this. Illegal drugs and assault in sport should be dealt with by the Police.

. happyfalcon273 - Apr 21 12:49pm

he should be charged by the police for assault, also the suspension should be start when his wrist is back to normal.

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