The AFL's former diversity manager Ali Fahour has been charged with intentionally causing injury, recklessly causing injury and unlawful assault following an incident at a suburban football match in Melbourne.
Fahour was handed a 14-week suspension from the Northern Football League on Wednesday night for striking Whittlesea player Dale Saddington and knocking him unconscious.
The suspension meant Fahour, who plays for West Preston-Lakes, had accumulated more than 16 weeks' worth of bans, meaning he was automatically deregistered and barred from playing or officiating for life.
He announced he was standing down from his role as the head of multicultural and Indigenous partnerships at the AFL after the tribunal hearing.
On Monday, Fahour said he was deeply ashamed of the incident and had apologised to Saddington.
AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan said earlier this week he accepted Fahour's resignation.
"As Ali said himself this week, there is no excuse or defence for his actions last weekend," he said.
"He's expressed his shame and remorse, and I know he feels this very deeply."
The 35-year-old is due to appear at the Heidelberg Magistrates Court in October.
