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Lovett AFL grievance claim sees police interest

Mr Dandalooa

Victorian police have become involved in disgraced footballer Andrew Lovett’s AFL grievance claim, submitting that it should be on hold until after his rape trial.

The saga with the severe allegations against Lovett could soon become the ugly face of the AFL that powers that be would most likely want settled quickly.

Last night, Victorian police were amongst several parties that made submissions to a closed hearing, where, FootyGoss understands, police raised concerns that the hearing could be prejudicial to Lovett’s trial.

Reports today said they made a written submission to the three-hour hearing, which heard argument from AFL, St Kilda, Lovett’s legal team, the AFL Players’ Association.

“The tribunal will consider the arguments and submission and will deliberate with a view towards handing down a decision next Thursday, April 1,” the AFL said in a statement.

“The reasons for the decision will be provided to the parties involved, and the tribunal will give its consideration as whether those reasons will be made.”

Lovett claims AFLPA want the hearing to go ahead before his criminal case, which is due in court on May 7 for a committal hearing.

St Kilda vehemently disagrees and now the Vic police have become involved in what is a controversial issue for the AFL.

Lovett was sacked in February, a day after he was charged with rape following an investigation by police.

Victorian media have reported that he was charged after an alleged incident in the early hours of Christmas Eve.

Lovett went to the tribunal in a bid to get financial compensation from St Kilda for his dismissal, which he has claimed is unfair.

His three-year contract with the Saints was worth more than $1 million.

Saints’ chief executive Michael Nettlefold reckons standing Lovett aside was an appropriate action until the courts had resolved the issue.

“We’ve had discussions with Andrew and advised him of the suspension and these matters are complicated and difficult and I think everybody acknowledges that,” he said last month.

At the time a club spokeswoman said in a statement released: “St Kilda Football Club can confirm that Victoria Police are investigating allegations made by a woman against Saints player Andrew Lovett, which is reported to have occurred in Melbourne in the early hours of this morning.

“The club is currently gaining a better understanding of these allegations and as a club, St Kilda is treating the matter very seriously.

“At this time, the club has suspended Andrew Lovett indefinitely.

“Andrew will not be involved with the club in any shape or form until a further decision is made.

“As this is a police investigation, no further can comment can be made at this stage.”

St Kilda coach Ross Lyon warned Lovett in November that he will not tolerate a repeat of his behaviour after he was arrest for being drunk in public.

Lyon insisted the club was not a babysitting service and that Lovett had to work hard to earn the respect of his new teammates.

He said he and list manager Matthew Drain had twice discussed the incident with the former Bomber and his management.