WEST Perth has elected not to appeal reserves player Mitchell Antonio's 10-week sanction out of respect for East Perth's Beau Chatley and his family after he suffered serious neck and spinal injuries.
The WAFL tribunal suspended Antonio for 10 matches on Tuesday night for the tackle he laid on Chatley during Saturday's WAFL reserves match between West Perth and East Perth.
Chatley, 21, was carried from the ground on a stretcher following the tackle and taken immediately to hospital.
He underwent surgery on the weekend and the indication at the time was that the damage to his neck and spinal cord was significant.
Antonio was reported for rough conduct. He pleaded not guilty at a closed tribunal hearing on Tuesday night but was suspended for 10 weeks.
There has been no detailed explanation of the tribunal's decision.
The WAFL released a statement on Wednesday explaining that the tribunal hearing had been closed in the interest of player welfare, following consultation with West Perth, and that the decision was based on all available evidence including vision, umpire summary, player testimony, and a medical report.
The entire incident was captured on video and that video was released publicly following consultation with the Chatley family.
West Perth considered appealing the 10-week suspension but confirmed it would accept the decision on Wednesday.
The club released a statement on behalf of the Antonio family.
"Mitchell has decided to accept the WAFL Tribunal's decision out of respect for Beau and the Chatley family, and will not be appealing the severity of the decision," the statement said.
"The Antonios have been deeply appreciative of the support they have received from West Perth, teammates, friends and family, and the broader football industry.
"Mitchell's concerns have always and will always be on Beau's recovery and whilst we believe the judgment was harsh in the context of the incident, there was never an intent to injure or hurt Beau.
"The weeks pale into insignificance for the time that is going be required for Beau's (recovery).
"Finishing the official matters today for Mitchell allows the people around him to commence providing the ongoing support he will require in the days, weeks and years ahead."
The Royals released a statement on Tuesday night saying Chatley remained in the intensive care unit at the Royal Perth Hospital and was in a serious but stable condition.
The club said he was "currently going through a range of emotions, but was still able to crack a few jokes" and was showing signs of improvement in his right arm.
