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Johnson faces suspension from 2006 series

Chris Johnson's tackle on Philip Jordan was just one of many unsavoury incidents during this year's series
Chris Johnson's tackle on Philip Jordan was just one of many unsavoury incidents during this year's series

The Australian Football League (AFL) is not interested in altering the rules so that players who commit offences in International Rules risk being suspended from their domestic game.

That is the view of AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou, who will meet with GAA officials in January to iron out any outstanding issues from the 2005 International Rules Series. 

One significant alteration that is likely to be sought by the GAA is to the rule that a player who is red-carded can be replaced. 

As it currently stands, the sent-off player's team can bring on a replacement as Australia did after  captain Chris Johnson was sent-off for his disgraceful 'clotheline' tackle on Philip Jordan in last Friday's second Test.

Demetriou, who has received no official complaint from the GAA as regards the Aussies' rough-house tactics last week, said: "We have another eight years of the agreement to run and the GAA are looking forward to hosting Australia in Ireland next year."
 
The immediate task for the AFL and GAA is to convene a disciplinary panel – with two representatives from Australia and one from Ireland - for a video review of the 2005 Series and its incidents.

Following the review, Brisbane Lions defender Johnson is likely to be charged and suspended from next year's Series in Dublin.

Johnson has received much opprobrium from newspapers in Australia who have criticised him for his tackle and his failure to apologise to the Irish team for his actions.

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