Richmond roasted for handling of Noah Balta situation

Richmond has been slammed for its messaging around Noah Balta’s continued absence from the AFL.

The Tigers defender has pled guilty to assault and is due to be sentenced on April 22, but took to the field for Richmond’s VFL side in a practice match on Sunday.

The club said he wasn’t considered for senior selection purely for footballing reasons, an excuse which Shane McInnes said simply didn’t cut it.

Press PLAY to hear Shane McInnes’ FULL thoughts on Noah Balta 

“(Richmond) said it was a purely football decision to ensure he builds match condition before returning to AFL level,” he said on 3AW Football.

“If that’s the true reason (he isn’t playing AFL), you simply do not get it.”

Image: Josh Chadwick/AFL Photos/via Getty Images