ONE of the most bitterly contested tribunal cases in AFL history came to an extraordinary conclusion last night when Des Headland and the man he accused of making sexually explicit comments about his daughter both emerged without penalty.

The jury took 10 minutes to clear West Coast player Adam Selwood of accusations by Headland that he made disgusting remarks during last Saturday night's match. It then made the seemingly contradictory finding that Headland, despite being found guilty of striking Selwood during his furious response, be given no penalty because of "exceptional and compelling circumstances by way of provocation".

The 22-year-old Selwood sat impassively through a two-hour hearing at Telstra Dome during which words never before heard in the AFL tribunal were uttered. Headland accused him of gesturing at the tattoo of six-year-old Madisan on his arm, and saying that he "f---ed her".

He said that after warning Selwood that the artwork portrayed his daughter, the West Coast player repeated the slur and described her as a "slut".

At one point, an emotional Headland admitted he had called Selwood "a pedophile, because that's what he is".

Speaking via a video conference from Perth, he said Selwood had gone too far with his sledging: "Kids aren't involved. Kids is crossing the line, mate."

But Selwood said he had no idea the person on the tattoo was Headland's daughter. "All I knew is that it was a female." He said that after being punched in the stomach by Headland, he responded by saying: "What's that shit on your arm? I was with a girl like that the other night."

The jury of former players Emmett Dunne, Richard Loveridge and Wayne Schimmelbusch gave no reason for clearing Selwood, merely saying the charge of insulting language was "not sustained".

But tribunal chairman John Hassett had directed them to take into account Selwood's good character — he had never previously been reported in his junior or senior career, and evidence was led that he performed charity work in Perth. Hassett said this made Selwood "less likely to lie" about what took place.

Headland was cleared of one charge of striking Selwood, but found guilty of another and also of wrestling. He has a record for striking and would reasonably have expected a two or three-week suspension, had not the tribunal accepted that he was provoked.

So, what was said? The only answer is we will never know. The findings ensure that the furious public debate over the alleged remarks will continue to rage.

One explanation for the seemingly contradictory findings is that the cases were heard separately. When it came to Headland's case, Selwood was not called to give evidence. Thus Headland's allegation of provocation — dismissed in the earlier case against Selwood — this time went unchallenged.

Headland, who broke down in tears after the tribunal delivered its verdict, said: "It has been an emotional week for me and my family."