Ali Fahour deregistered as player over one-punch attack in suburban match

AFL diversity manager Ali Fahour will stand down from his role after he was effectively banned for life as a player over a one-punch attack in a suburban match.

Fahour was tonight handed a 14-match suspension at a Northern Football League tribunal hearing.

The ban took Fahour beyond a 16-week career suspension threshold and will see him deregistered from playing or officiating football.

Fahour was playing for West Preston-Lakeside on Saturday when he charged into a scuffle and punched Whittlesea defender Dale Saddington.

Saddington was knocked unconscious by the blow. The Whittlesea veteran gave evidence at the tribunal and left without making a comment to media.

After the hearing, an emotional Fahour read a short statement confirming he would stand down from his AFL position. 

"On the basis of the seriousness of the charge and the tribunal's sanction, I will be standing down from my position at the AFL," he said.

"In this time, I will seek professional help for my behaviour.

"I have played this game for 29 years. It has given me everything.

"I have loved working for the AFL and running programs that have reached out to communities far and wide.

"AFL is the greatest game and I am forever grateful for the role it has played in my life.

"I want to thank all of those who have offered me support over the past 10 years."

Video of another on-field attack by Fahour in another game also emerged last night. 

Fahour gave a character reference for Bachar Houli at the Tiger defender's own tribunal hearing last week.