Netball: Grant escapes with warning

Pulse's Katrina Grant (R). Photo / Ross Setford

A contrite Katrina Grant has apologised for her behaviour that saw her become the first ANZ Championship player to face a disciplinary hearing.

The Central Pulse skipper escaped with a warning and a suspended ban after being found guilty of breaching the league's code of conduct after ugly post-match confrontation with an umpire following her side's 55-all draw with the Southern Steel in round 12. Grant was advised if there are any further incidents of misconduct over the next 12 months, she will be issued with a two-week ban.

In a statement issued by the Pulse following the outcome of the hearing, which was considered to be a landmark for the netball, Grant apologised unreservedly for her actions.

"My behaviour was unacceptable. I allowed my emotions and the significance of the game to get the better of me," she said.

"The process has been fair and I accept the findings of the hearing. It's been a tough few days for everyone and I'm just glad I can put it behind me now and concentrate on leading my team during Sunday's game against the Thunderbirds."

Grant was seen on the television coverage immediately after the game angrily remonstrating with umpire Jono Bredin, who awarded the Steel a penalty shot under the post to draw the match. Bredin called a contact on Grant in the dying seconds of regular time as she attempted a late intercept.

Unimpressed with Grant's reaction to the call, Bredin advanced the penalty into the shooting circle, giving the Steel shooter Brooke Leaver a chance to snatch the draw.

Leaver's shot was off target but was rebounded by 1.98m Jamaican shooter Jhaniele Fowler-Reid who slotted the goal on the stroke of full time.

Grant went straight to Bredin to express her contempt at the call, and it is understood some of the language used was bordering on abusive. Netball New Zealand umpiring manager Colleen Bond later stepped in, ordering Grant away.

Following the receipt of the complaint, Grant wrote to Bredin and apologised unreservedly for her behaviour.

The ANZ Championship office said the Silver Fern defender's exemplary playing record, no applicable prior disciplinary record and clear remorse was taken into consideration when issued with the sanction.