A boxer, Adam Abdallah, aged 27, has launched an appeal in an attempt to overturn his prison sentence following a violent incident involving a referee at a soccer match in Padstow, southwestern Sydney, during April 2023. After the match, Abdallah confronted referee Khodr Yaghi, leading to a brutal assault that resulted in Yaghi suffering two fractured jaws, the loss of four teeth, and a paralysed lip that has significantly affected his eating and speaking abilities.
Abdallah was convicted of reckless grievous bodily harm and sentenced in February at the Downing Centre District Court to a minimum of one year and two months, with a maximum term of two years and three months, set to conclude on April 24, 2027. Following his incarceration, he has appealed the sentence, seeking to have it reduced. His solicitor, Boushra Elkheir, has pressed for the court to expedite the appeal process, emphasising that Abdallah’s non-parole period is nearing its expiration in March.
The altercation stemmed from an initial argument between Abdallah and Yaghi, escalating after Yaghi attacked Abdallah with a flagpole. Despite being held back by friends, Abdallah returned to deliver multiple punches and kicks while Yaghi lay on the ground. Video footage from the incident captured Yaghi bloodied and shaken, stating that Abdallah had broken his jaw.
In a letter submitted to the District Court, Abdallah expressed remorse for his actions, acknowledging his guilt and issuing apologies to Yaghi and his family. He described his behaviour as “excessive and inexcusable,” expressing a desire to reverse the events of that day.
Abdallah is now requesting the court consider an intensive corrections order that would allow him to serve his sentence within the community rather than in prison. A preliminary hearing for his appeal has been scheduled for May 23.