Fremantle MP Josh Wilson has been handed a five-game suspension after he punched an opponent during an amateur football game.
The Federal member for Fremantle has yet to apologise personally to the opponent he struck in the face during the match between Fremantle FC and University of WA-Nedlands.
A referee report regarding the incident stated Wilson ‘turned around and punched an opponent in the face with his fist.’
He said it was the ‘first red card I’ve ever received’ and he will take the suspension ‘without dispute.’
‘I regret the incident in that I don’t play sport for, sort of, any argy-bargy,’ he said.
‘I play sport for the teamwork and camaradarie and the fitness and the rest of it.
Fremantle MP Josh Wilson has been suspended for five weeks after punching an opponent during a football match
Wilson has yet to apologise to the opponent he struck personally
‘But I’m like every Australian – I play according to the rules and according to the requirements of the league.’
Wilson’s red card left his side a man down for around 75 minutes on a wet and windy Sunday.
‘If you get a red card, you get a week. And if it’s a red card that involves a bit of a contretemps, a bit of afters, as some people say, it’s four weeks on top of that,’ he said.
‘It’s a very standard suspension. There’s lots of suspensions like that in the Football West League.
‘I’m disappointed. I apologised to the UWA guys who came back for a beer at the Fremantle City clubrooms after the game.’
The other player involved told 7NEWS he was not seriously injured during the incident.
He also said he reached out to Wilson following the conclusion of the game and would appreciate an apology, but he is yet to hear back.
Wilson however, has asked his teammates to pass on his apology following the altercation on the pitch.
Labor colleagues in WA have stood by Wilson following his punch but have condemned the on-field violence.
‘He’s a public figure, and a leader in the community, and there’s that extra level of standard that I think people expect from their behaviour,’ WA Premier Roger Cook said on Thursday.
WA Education Minister Sabine Winton said, ‘The community holds politicians to a much higher standard and I know that Josh regrets his actions.’
Wilson would have been hoping to replicate the performances of the Socceroos who have qualified for the knockout rounds of the 2026 World Cup.
‘They’re doing Australians proud, carrying every one of them,’ Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told Sky News.
‘I’m sure on Friday the whole of Australia will stop for a little while and share the soccer result.’
