Saints slammed for Milne selection

Stephen Milne leaves a court appearance last week. Picture: Getty Images Source: News Limited

SEXUAL assault victims' groups have slammed St Kilda and the AFL for the Saints' decision to select Stephen Milne to play while he fights rape charges.

Advocacy groups have also called on the AFL to develop stronger rules on how clubs deal with players charged with serious sexual assaults.

But former AFL great and TV star Sam Newman said the St Kilda forward had not been convicted of a crime and had a right to a presumption of innocence.

Centre Against Sexual Assault forum spokeswoman Carolyn Worth said AFL clubs were more willing to retain players charged with crimes if they were stars rather than lesser lights.

"Selecting Milne is a pretty dreadful message that they are sending," Ms Worth said.

"I have always thought the AFL have not come terms with sexual assault and the behaviour of some of its players.

"I don't think they quite understand just what role models they are for young people."

Ms Worth cited the example of Andrew Lovett who was sacked by St Kilda the day after he was charged with rape but later cleared of the charges.

Milne has missed three matches since being charged with four counts of rape and made a brief appearance at Melbourne Magistrates' Court last week.

He will next face court in September.

Andrew Lovett's lawyer Derek Humphery-Smith said from an employment law perspective the club had learned its lesson and not immediately dismissed Milne.

But the AFL umpire turned Lander &Rogers employment lawyer said he felt some St Kilda board members and sponsors would be uncomfortable Milne was back on the field.

"I think if the victim or the victim's family came out strongly against this then the board and the club would seriously reconsider its position," he said.

But Geelong great Newman said Milne had missed enough games and the club had every right to select him.

"He will suffer the consequences if he is found guilty,'' he said.

"We have gone from having a democratic country where people are innocent until found guilty to being guilty until you can prove you are innocent.''

Former Melbourne board member Beverley O'Connor said clubs needed more guidance from the AFL when grappling with serious criminal matters.

"St Kilda have handled this as best they can and it is incredibly difficult for both parties,'' she said.

"This should not be decided on a case-by-case or club-by-club basis the AFL should provide guidelines or some sort of blanket rule."

AFL spokesman Patrick Keane said it was the league's policy that a player is only stood down once a case is committed to trial.

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