The Adelaide United Football Club has handed down sanctions under the Football Federation Australia National Code of Conduct to Robert Cornthwaite following last weekend's alleged incident at a city nightclub, which saw the defender charged by South Australian Police with basic assault and for withholding personal information.
Football Federation Australia (FFA) has approved the club's imposed sanctions on Cornthwaite, meaning no further action will be taken by Australian football's governing body.
The sanctions handed down to Cornthwaite are as follows: - a 2 match suspension (the maximum allowable suspension under the FFA National Code of Conduct), ruling him out of Adelaide United's next two Hyundai A-League fixtures, against Wellington Phoenix and the Central Coast Mariners. - a fine of 50% of one week's salary.
In addition, Cornthwaite has agreed to: - undertake an alcohol management and education course; and - perform 3 hours a week of community service at a men's shelter for the remainder of his contract (31 March 2010). If Cornthwaite fails to comply with these undertakings, he will be suspended for a further two matches.
In the event that Cornthwaite fails to comply with the rehabilitation and community service sanctions, he will serve a further 2 match suspension.
On receiving and accepting the sanctions, the 23 year old was deeply apologetic for his actions and the predicament that he found himself in just after midnight on Sunday 30 August.
"I would like to take this opportunity to apologise for my behaviour last Saturday night in allowing myself to become intoxicated and involved in an incident at a city nightclub," Cornthwaite said.
"In particular, I wish to apologise to the club, the members, my team mates and the large number of supporters of the club as well as the FFA. I consider that I have let you all down and I am extremely embarrassed at the way things have turned out.
"I have had very constructive discussions with the club and things have been put in place for me to work through this matter and I am looking forward to getting on with the rest of the season and the upcoming Asian Champions League."
The imposed sanctions will take affect immediately, with Cornthwaite next available to play for The Reds on Friday 18 September against Melbourne Victory at Hindmarsh Stadium.
Adelaide United takes on Wellington Phoenix on Friday 4 September 2009 at Westpac Stadium in Wellington in Round 5 of the Hyundai A-League 2009/10 Season.
