Aussie rules player with police ankle bracelet breaks opponent's jaw behind play, banned for life

A nasty incident in the Northern Football League. Photo / 3AW

This is the sickening moment a suburban footballer apparently wearing an ankle device shatters an opponent's jaw with a brutal elbow to the face.

The horrific cheap shot was caught on camera during this weekend's clash between Reservoir and South Morang in Victoria's Northern Football League.

Footage shows the Reservoir player, Ashley Cluney, run towards his opponent before he lifts his elbow and floors him with a single blow.

The victim's jaw was reportedly broken in two places. He spent the weekend in hospital undergoing surgery to have metal plates and screws inserted to his face.

Cluney was wearing a bracelet on his ankle at the time of the shocking hit, 3AW Radio understands.

A photo taken from the local footy record shows the legs of the player believed to be involved and the device protruding from his sock.

Cluney faced the Northern Football League's tribunal on Tuesday night and was handed a 16-week suspension, which will trigger a life-ban, the Herald Sun reported.

A photo taken from the local footy record shows the legs of the player believed to be involved, with a device protruding from his sock. Photo / NFNL

He has the option to appeal his suspension and his deregistration from the league.

Chris Donnelly, South Morang president, told the paper the injured player was recovering.

"Indications are he has got to keep his jaw still. If he's to open it too wide in the initial stages, it might break again," he said.

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