Source : ABC NEWS
Richmond’s Noah Balta has spoken for the first time since his sentencing for an assault charge, expressing his remorse and thanking his family and the football club for their support.
Balta was on Tuesday handed a $3,000 fine and sentenced to an 18-month community corrections order after admitting to repeatedly punching a man in Mulwala on December 30.
Balta was also ordered to adhere to a curfew at his home address in Melbourne between 10pm and 6am until July 22, 2025, which will cause him to miss a number of the Tigers’ upcoming night and interstate matches.
Richmond uploaded a video to its website on Wednesday in which Balta offered his first public comment since the sentencing.
“I just want to take this opportunity to apologise to the victim and the family,” Balta said.
“Also for the harm I’ve cause to my family and friends, and to the whole of the Richmond Football Club and the Tiger Army.
“Violence is never the answer. I was under the influence and made a judgement call which was stupid of myself.
“I’m working on myself … what I can control, really. [I’ve] stopped drinking — and this is going to go for another 18 months — for the last three months to try to get myself better off the field, to help myself.
“While I’m here I want to take the time to thank my family and friends for always being there to support me, the club and also the Tiger Army.”
Earlier on Wednesday, Tigers coach Adem Yze said Balta would “speak when it’s his right time to speak” and admitted his player was “flat”.
“(Tuesday) was a big day for him, a long day,” Yze said.
“A three-hour drive to Albury and back.
“We’re coming off a five day break so we’ve got to look after him, look after his body, and he’ll look forward to playing against Hawthorn next week.”
