Richmond key defender Noah Balta was allegedly punched in the mouth while coaching a local soccer team in Melbourne on Sunday, according to The Age.
The publication says Richmond confirmed that Balta was allegedly struck in the mouth after a fight broke out during the soccer match.
Balta, who was helping coach a team featuring former Richmond ruckman Ivan Maric, was not seriously injured.
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The 23-year-old informed Richmond of the incident and the Tigers have cleared him of any wrongdoing.
The AFL integrity unit has been made aware of the incident.
Balta has played 62 AFL games since landing at the Tigers via pick 25 in the 2017 national draft.
He was a member of Richmond’s 2020 premiership-winning team.
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