An Australian Rules footballer has been ordered off the field for having a mohawk because the umpire felt "his hair was too dangerous" and might have poked another player in the eye.
But the Victorian Country Football League (VCFL) has backed the player, saying the umpire had misinterpreted the rules.
Simpson Tigers midfielder Nathan Van Someren says he will appeal his sending off by umpire Don Wheadon during the third quarter of a weekend match against Otway Districts in the Colac and District Football League.
The umpire's decision came as a shock to the 25-year-old Van Someren who has played with the hairstyle for three years, and had played during the first and second quarters of the match. He was sent off for 15 minutes.
VCFL umpiring general manager Gerard Ryan said the Colac umpires' association had acknowledged that a mistake had been made and was working with the club to resolve the matter.
"We have worked closely with the Colac umpires over the last 48 hours and as a group they have acknowledged that it was an incorrect interpretation of the rule that really refers to prohibited items," Mr Ryan said.
"Nathan has been playing for a period of years with the hair as it was on the weekend and there has never been an issue in the past."
Mr Ryan said the rule used to get Van Someren off the field referred to items such as jewellery and protective equipment that could injure others.
"In this case it's probably been interpreted a little bit too broadly," he said.
He said all parties were working to "ensure everyone is able to get back to playing football this weekend the way they wish to".
