THE WAFL tribunal has suspended West Perth's Mitchell Antonio for 10 matches for the dangerous tackle that left East Perth player Beau Chatley with a serious neck and spinal injury.
Antonio pleaded not guilty to rough conduct at the tribunal on Tuesday night after he pulled Chatley's jumper over his head and tackled him into the ground during the reserves clash between East Perth and West Perth on Saturday.
However, in a closed hearing, the tribunal determined he was guilty and slapped him with a season-ending ban.
The WAFL released a statement on Wednesday explaining that the hearing had been closed in the interest of player welfare, following consultation with West Perth.
The tribunal based the decision on all available evidence including vision, umpire summary, player testimony, and a medical report.
West Perth elected not to appeal the decision on Wednesday.
The Royals released a statement on Tuesday afternoon saying Chatley remained in the intensive care unit at the Royal Perth Hospital and was in a serious but stable condition.
The club said he was "currently going through a range of emotions, but was still able to crack a few jokes" and was showing signs of improvement in his right arm.
East Perth operations manager Mark Winnett said there had been a slight improvement in Chatley's condition in the past 24 hours.
"For everyone here and for Beau and his family, it's a really positive step," Winnett told Perth media.
The 21-year-old underwent surgery at the weekend and the indication at the time was that the damage to his neck and spinal cord was significant.
Chatley was carried from the ground on a stretcher following the tackle and taken immediately to hospital.
On Saturday night, WAFL general manager Steve Hargrave expressed the League's fears following the incident.
"We want Beau, his family and his friends to know that they have the full support of everyone at the WAFL," Hargrave said.
"We are working with East Perth and West Perth to provide any support required to the clubs and their playing groups.
"We will also be reviewing the incident in accordance with our normal match review processes."
Chatley, a member of the WA state 18s squad in 2013, has played 84 games for the Royals, including three League matches.
