Tigers hit Balta with significant suspension after off-season assault charge

Richmond has suspended star tall Noah Balta for four games following an off-season assault charge.

The 25-year-old handed himself in to NSW Police following an alleged incident that led to another man being taken to hospital with a cut to his head.

While Balta has returned to pre-season training with his teammates, he’ll now miss the club’s first four AFL games of the season, as well as the first two pre-season matches.

Balta was charged and given conditional bail by NSW Police and will appear before Corowa Local Court on January 30.

Richmond CEO Shane Dunne says that the club came to the decision to suspend Balta after talking with the player himself and the leadership group.

“Noah deeply regrets being involved in the incident. He has assisted the NSW Police in their investigation and he is keen to have the matter concluded as soon as possible,” Dunne said via a statement.

“While the outcome of the investigation and the charge will be a matter for the Police and the Courts, both Noah and the Club accept that players can't put themselves in these situations.

“After thorough consideration - which included discussions with the player leadership group - we arrived at a decision that reflects the seriousness of the incident and at the same time will help Noah address this behaviour. 

“The Club will continue to support him through this period and our collective hope, and expectation, is that we will see the best of Noah on and off the field from this point on.”

Balta only recently signed a mammoth seven-year extension with Richmond in October, tying him to the club until the end of the 2032 season.

He’ll miss Richmond’s first four AFL games against Carlton, Port Adelaide, St Kilda and Brisbane.