On Monday night at the NTFL Independent Tribunal, Brett McCall was found guilty of misconduct in that he racially vilified South Launceston's Micael Newport.

McCall pleaded not guilty to the charge, but was convicted on the evidence of Newport's team-mate Nicholas Buller who was standing only a few metres away and said he clearly heard the words.

The tribunal said it was happy for the pair to discuss the incident amicably rather than have it heard, but McCall said he could not apologise for words he did not say and Newport said the issue would not have got to tribunal level if that had been possible.

Newport said the pair were in a scuffle and then he heard the offensive words but could not identify who said them.

Buller, who was nearby, said he both saw and heard McCall say the words.

NTFL general manager Ian Wotherspoon said the pleasing part of the proceedings was that the two shook hands after the event.

Latrobe had no witnesses.