Footy bite probe

By Glen Atwell
A FOOTBALL Victoria investigator has begun a probe into an allegation that a Southern Football League (SFL) Division Three player was bitten during a recent match.
Parkmore Pirates player Ken Piggin claims Sandown Cobra opponent Charlie DiMartino bit him on the face during the heated round one match on 8 April.
Mr DiMartino has strongly denied the allegation.
Parkmore Football Club advised the SFL that Mr Piggin claimed he had been bitten, and the league has turned to Football Victoria to help piece together the facts.
Mr Piggin said he was involved in a scuffle during the third quarter when the alleged incident took place.
“I was wrestling on the ground and I felt the teeth sink into my cheek,” he said. “I didn’t want to pull away because I was scared half my face would be ripped off.
SFL executive manager Bob Caine said the Football Victoria investigator would provide the league with facts and evidence about Mr Piggin’s claims.
“We have the option to use a Football Victoria investigator to look into incidents and the league has decided this method is appropriate for the matter,” he said.
“After the investigation, Football Victoria will provide us with details and the league can then take the matter to our independent disciplinary committee.”
Both Mr Piggin and Mr DiMartino were reported for striking each other during the game.
However, Mr DiMartino has yet to front the tribunal because of work commitments and so is unable to play.
Cobras coach Stephen Jasiak said Mr DiMartino had strenuously denied the biting allegations.
He said Mr DiMartino was family oriented, always around the club and that something like that would be out of character for him.
“He has told the club he didn’t do it,” he said. “But the investigation is obviously a huge concern for the club. Biting is one of the worst offences a player can commit on the field.”
Pirates manager Mike Smythe said he was glad the league had taken the matter seriously. “It’s not good for football and we are confident the investigation will make things right,” he said.
Football Victoria confirmed its investigation was continuing.
“We are working with sources and gathering evidence at this stage,” a source said.