16-07-2025
Rugby player convicted for post-match handshakes assault
Jonathan Fidow has been convicted of assault and fined $300.
Photo:
timhester/123RF
A Taranaki rugby player, who knocked out an opponent during post-match handshakes, has been convicted of assault, and fined $300.
Spotswood premiers player Jonathan Fidow faced a charge of injures with intent to injure or assault with intent to injure for the June 2024 incident.
Judge Tony Greig, however, found Fidow did not intend to injure Coastal player Matthew Picard.
Fidow argued he had been subject to race-baiting during the game, but the judge made no finding on this.
He was satisfied Picard, who suffered a mild concussion, had been punched.
Fidow was suspended from rugby for nine weeks following a disciplinary hearing.
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