The arrest of Balta, 25, came after police were called to reports of an assault of a man at the club.
The premiership defender was arrested at Mulwala police station at 11.30am on Tuesday, hours before he had been planning to celebrate New Year’s Eve with his friends and family.
“He was charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm and given conditional bail to appear before Corowa Local Court on Thursday January 30,” a statement from police said.
Paramedics treated the 27-year-old alleged victim for a cut to the head before he had to be taken to Yarrawonga Hospital for treatment.
Balta was bailed to appear in Corowa Local Court on January 30, on a count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
Richmond Football Club released a statement on Wednesday evening, January 1, in relation to the incident: “The Richmond Football Club can confirm that AFL player Noah Balta has been charged with assault after an incident on December 30”.
“As the matter is now before the courts, the club can make no further comment. The club has made the AFL aware of the incident.”
The AFL’s integrity unit has been informed. The charge carries a maximum of two years’ jail in the local courts of NSW.
Balta has played 104 games in six seasons, including the 2020 premiership triumph.
A key-position player with a booming kick, Balta is regarded as one the Tigers’ most crucial assets and has just signed a new seven-year deal, which ties him to Punt Road until 2032.
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