Glenn Archer was convicted of assaulting a runner. Credit:Justin McManus "Unfortunately that's the way it is for someone in my position," Archer said outside Heidelberg Magistrates Court on Friday. "I actually find it crazy that someone can read out 3 per cent of the story and someone can be judged on that." His comments come after he'd already been told to "sit down" by his lawyer Andrew Harris during the proceedings after he complained to Ms Lamble. "Am I allowed to defend myself? You haven't heard the full the story. Are we allowed to appeal this?" Archer said.

Glenn Archer at Heidelberg Magistrates Court on Friday. Credit:Justin McManus The 44-year-old two-time premiership player will remain a director on North Melbourne's board, the club confirmed on social media on Friday afternoon. "NM has accepted Glenn's version of events, acknowledges he has taken full responsibility for his actions and is unreservedly apologetic," the club tweeted. "NM will take no further action and, from its perspective, considers the matter now closed. Glenn is able to continue his role as a Director. "NM further understands he is planning to appeal severity of the penalty and, as such, it is not in a position to make any further comment."

It is not clear what version of events North Melbourne has accepted from Archer. The court heard that Archer was watching his son play in an under-15s game for Park Orchards against Banyule in the Yarra Junior Football League on June 25 when a fight erupted between two players on the field. Police prosecutor, Senior Constable Matt Toohey, said Archer argued with the boundary umpire before being asked to leave the field by the runner at half-time. He punched the runner to the right side of his face and broke the man's glasses, Senior Constable Toohey said. Police said Archer downplayed his involvement both to investigators and to the media afterwards, claiming the "strike to the victim was a push with an open hand rather than a punch and he was defending himself".

Mr Harris said his client was fully co-operative with police and was on "the front foot" afterwards, apologising unreservedly in a heavily broadcasted statement. He said Archer was a significant contributor to the community through the AFL and charities. "There were no injuries sustained by the victim, all that's occurred is some glasses have been broken," Mr Harris said. "It's safe to say that Mr Archer has learnt his lesson." The magistrate disagreed with Mr Harris' submission, deciding he should have a conviction recorded.

The reason the incident attracted so much publicity, Ms Lamble said, was because it was "such an abhorrent thing to do". "It is such a bad example for young people playing sport," Ms Lamble said. "He's undermined an important principle about the role of parents in relation to sport, the ability of officials on the ground to act in their judgment what's acceptable or not." Mr Harris said Archer has placed a self-imposed ban from entering the club's change rooms and going onto the field for the rest of the season. The AFL told Channel 10 reporter Joel Crean it would not comment on Archer's court case, or the violence he inflicted, because staff were at a function.

There has been a number of ugly on-field incidents in recent times. Diversity manager Ali Fahour​ was stood down from his position with the AFL, criminally charged and given a lifetime ban from playing in a suburban football league after he allegedly knocked-out an opposition player. A spectator was also charged two weeks ago for allegedly punching an umpire and an under-15s football game in Hoppers Crossing.