Former AFL diversity manager Ali Fahour has been charged with assault over an alleged on-field punch during a Melbourne suburban football game. Victoria Police on Friday confirmed Fahour was charged on summons with recklessly causing injury, intentionally causing injury and unlawful assault.

He was playing for West Preston-Lakeside in the Northern Football League on Saturday when the alleged incident involving Whittlesea defender Dale Saddington occurred.

Fahour was banned for 14 weeks by the NFL tribunal on Wednesday night, taking his career total suspensions beyond the 16-week threshold that triggers de-registration from any league in Australia.

Following the tribunal decision, Fahour quit his role as AFL diversity manager. AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan on Thursday confirmed Fahour had quit his role and named Grant Williams as his temporary replacement.

Fahour on Wednesday said the game he had played for 29 years “has given me everything” and AFL is “the greatest game”.

“I am forever grateful for the role it has played in my life,” Fahour said. “I want to thank all those who have offered me support over the past 10 years. I have loved working for the AFL and running programs that have reached out to communities far and wide.”

He is due to appear in the Heidelberg Magistrates’ Court on 11 October.