Rival coaches wrestled to the ground and had to be separated by spectators during a "disturbing" half-time incident, a tribunal was told on Wednesday night.
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Nirranda premiership player and assistant coach Isaac Templeton put Allansford coach Ben Price in a headlock in a move he claimed was to calm the situation before they fell to the ground during a break in the June 1 match.
The Warrnambool and District Football Netball League independent tribunal was told a comment from Nirranda player John Paulin, a spectator at the game, sparked the incident.
Paulin heard Price abuse his brother, Will, before the main break.
After the siren, Price was walking to Allansford's change rooms when Paulin suggested he put someone on his brother, who was instrumental in the Blues opening a winning lead.
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Price then pushed Paulin before Templeton grabbed the Cats coach.
Templeton pleaded guilty to unbecoming conduct and Price, who originally pleaded not guilty to the same charge, changed his plea.
The two-hour hearing was told the confrontation lasted between 15-20 seconds. Templeton and Price said they regretted the incident.
Tribunal chairman Brian Mathers said it was "disturbing for football and the look it gave the game".
Both players were suspended for four matches and banned from attending those games. Both their clubs were fined $1000.
The charges were laid by an AFL Victoria investigator. The probe was launched after responses to a please explain from the league were considered unsatisfactory.
Nirranda, who was leading by 37 points at half-time, would go on to win the match by 82 points.
Price will miss games against Timboon Demons, Russells Creek, Panmure and Old Collegians.
Templeton is set to miss matches against the Warriors, South Rovers, Kolora-Noorat and Merrivale.
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