‘Jimmy Bartel Questions Noah Balta’s Inclusion Ahead of Sentencing’

Geelong legend Jimmy Bartel has voiced his discontent with Richmond coach Adem Yze’s remarks regarding defender Noah Balta, stating they “don’t sit well” with him.

Balta is eligible to return to the Tigers’ lineup this weekend after serving a four-match suspension handed down by the club, which has now been endorsed by the AFL.

Last December, Balta admitted to assaulting a man and is scheduled to face sentencing on April 22 at Albury Local Court.

Balta now faces the prospect of a prison sentence.

Nevertheless, he remains eligible for selection in the Tigers’ squad while awaiting his sentencing.

Yze stated in a press conference last week that the club plans for Balta to participate in the match against Fremantle during Gather Round.

“Balta has been coping with this for three months,” he noted.

Footy Classified is now available as a podcast! Subscribe/follow via Apple, Spotify or Google Podcasts

“He is frustrated about not being able to play,” Yze added.

“The fact that this has been publicised now — it occurred in January — means he’s been grappling with it for a long time; we won’t alter our stance on this matter.

“We’ve collaborated with the AFL on this, and they are quite clear on their position.”

Following the release of CCTV footage of the incident last month, Bartel expressed his dissatisfaction with how the Tigers have managed Balta’s situation.

“Adem Yze’s comments do not sit well with me,” he remarked.

“They seemed to suggest that Noah is somehow at a disadvantage for having to sit out, and for having to handle this situation.”

“Such behaviour is something we are striving to eliminate from society. This is beyond the realm of football.”

Bartel firmly stated that Balta should not be on the field before his court appearance.

“Once an individual forfeits their rights — and yes, he did plead guilty — that’s when Richmond should have intervened and said, ‘Alright, you’ve pleaded guilty. We’ll continue to provide our support but you’re not playing until we determine the actual outcome of your sentencing,'” he stated.

“If he was contesting the charges — he’s innocent until proven guilty — but he admitted his guilt.

“I do not subscribe to this narrative of ‘poor Noah’.