Ex-AFL Diversity Manager Ali Fahour has avoided getting a criminal conviction after punching a player at a suburban footy game last year.

Mr Fahour looked at his victim Dale Saddington seated in the Heidelberg Magistrates Court this morning as he offered him a tearful apology.

“He doesn’t deserve this... No one goes to play footy to get hit - we play footy because we love the game,” he said.

Dale Saddington (left) and Ali Fahour (right). (AAP)

“I apologise for any pain and suffering I’ve caused you”.

Mr Fahour had pleaded with a magistrate to avoid a conviction, claiming he’d already been severely punished for the on-field punch on Mr Saddington by losing his job as AFL Diversity Manager.

This afternoon he avoided a criminal conviction but was ordered to pay $5000 to Disabilities Sports Australia and to complete a two year community corrections order and 200 hours of community work.

He will also be required to undertake an anger management program.

Mr Fahour apologised for "any pain and suffering" he caused Mr Saddington. (AAP)

Footage from the July match between Whittlesea and West Preston shows a scuffle break out between players.

The victim said he ran in to break it up, while Mr Fahour claims he saw his friend in a headlock before throwing a punch at Mr Saddington without warning.

The prosecution said Mr Saddington lost consciousness and suffered a concussion, bruising and blurred vision and was assessed at hospital.

The court heard Mr Fahour sent a text message to the victim apologising that night.

Mr Fahour pleaded with the magistrate to avoid a conviction. (AAP)

Mr Fahour was found guilty by the Northern League tribunal and suspended for 14 weeks triggering an automatic life ban from playing the game.

Defence submitted extensive material on Mr Fahour’s behalf to demonstrate his contribution to youth and community groups. It noted the father-of-three has won praise from the prime minister.

Premiership coach Mark Williams and Former Essendon player Adam Ramanauskas also provided glowing character references.

The court heard Mr Saddington has not been able to play football since the incident and has been financially impacted by the loss of a paid football contract.