Stars defender Fa'amu Ioane was sent off the court for "persistent infringing". Photo / Photosport
Stars defender Fa'amu Ioane was sent off the court for "persistent infringing". Photo / Photosport
ANZ Premiership Commissioner Kate Agnew has launched an investigation into the suspension and ordering off of Fa'amu Ioane during Sunday night's game between the Stars and the Mystics.
The tenacious Stars defender was pointed off the court for "persistent infringing" in the fourth quarter of the game, leaving the Northern side with only six players to finish the match.
Northern Stars lodge ANZ Premiership match review The Northern Stars are pleased that the suspension and sending off of Fa’amu Ioane in Sunday's round two ANZ premiership game against the Northern Mystics will be reviewed.
As expected, the Mystics extended their advantage, to claim a 60-54 victory over the Stars and snatch the first set of points toward the Barfoot and Thompson Northern Challenge Trophy.
The Stars contested the fairness of the officials' rulings in the Auckland derby providing video evidence that highlight the steps that led to the initial send off.
"Based on the material impact on the outcome of the game and its ability to earn points, the Northern Stars are naturally concerned that its athlete was treated fairly and the game management protocols were correctly applied," the Stars said in a statement.
"The Northern Stars are pleased that the suspension and sending off of Fa'amu Ioane in Sunday's round two ANZ premiership game against the Northern Mystics will be reviewed."
After Fa'amu Ioane's suspension, the Northern Stars were left with only six players to finish the match. Photo / Getty Images
Agnew said the review will investigate aspects of the game under the Disciplinary section of the ANZ Premiership Competition Rules and be lead by former General Manager of the ANZ Championship, Mark Bailey.
She said the purpose of the investigation would be to determine whether or not further action is required.
"They will raise a recommendation which will come through to me and at that point, that recommendation will potentially lead to further action or the outcome of that could be across a range of happenings," Agnew told Radio Sport.
"Ordering off is very rare in netball in my experience, however, I think that it's absolutely fabulous for a competition in terms of us being able to test and ensure that our disciplinary processes around these kinds of matters are sound."
"I think that umpires need to manage the game that they see in front of them and make the calls they feel are necessary to ensure the match is played in a highly competitive, but equally contested matter."
Further action may include a Judicial Hearing, on any of the Technical Offence and Misconduct items.
Bailey has commenced the process and it is intended the recommendation will be made by the end of this week prior to the start of Round three of the ANZ Premiership.
Silver Ferns goal shoot Grace Nweke speaks about the Constellation Cup series and the rivalry against the Diamonds in the final match. Video / Alyse Wright
