Sean Nean was supported by family in Tamworth Local Court on Friday for a hearing but the case was not reached.

Magistrate Roger Prowse disqualified himself from hearing the charges after a solicitor told the court the case was “in relation to the grand final referee”.

“I won’t be hearing it,” Mr Prowse told the court.

A hearing in the second Tamworth court delayed proceedings and Mr Prowse marked the case “not reached”.

Legal Aid solicitor Wendy McAuliffe said after discussions with the prosecution, no witnesses will be called.

“It will be a hand-up brief now and just viewing footage,” she said.

Nean has admitted to assaulting a referee but has pleaded not guilty to affray.

The charges stem from last year’s Group 4 grand final match in September.

Mr Prowse adjourned the case for hearing in May.

“Bail is to continue,” he told Nean.

“It’ll get priority on that occasion.”