A Collingwood supporter who reached over the fence to take hold of West Coast’s Harvey Johnston on the weekend has been opposed from attending fits for the left-overs of the week.
The incident took place within the fourth quarter of Collingwood’s 66-point win over West Coast at Docklands Stadium on Sunday, when the fan grabbed at Johnston prior to patting him at the head and taking the soccer from him as Johnston chased a ball over the boundary order.
Then investigating the incident, the AFL passed the fan a 12-month forbid, with six months suspended. Collingwood has additionally suspended the person’s club.
“While we acknowledge the innocuous nature in which the incident played out on the day, these types of interactions should not happen. Grabbing a player from over the fence could have potentially escalated if it wasn’t for the professional manner in which Eagles player Harvey responded,” AFL basic recommend Stephen Meade mentioned.
“We also acknowledge the fan involved proactively made himself known to security and police and apologised to both Collingwood, West Coast and the AFL, and recognise his immediate understanding of his actions not being acceptable.
“We have now the most efficient enthusiasts in recreation, and greater than 3.1 million nation have attended the footy this week and we would like everybody who involves video games to barrack for his or her membership and benefit from the revel in, however whilst you overstep the unclouded obstacles, which is what came about at the weekend, upcoming you’ll lose the privilege of with the ability to attend the footy.
“Reinforcing what we communicated last year — we love the interactions between players and fans especially in the moments pre and post-game, and the occasion in-game when a player celebrates with his club’s fans — however, what we saw on Sunday during the match is not acceptable.”
Then being opposed, the fan, noticeable to be Collingwood member Justin Witcombe, expressed his regret over the incident.
“I just saw the ball come to the fence and I just sort of stood up and it just happened,” he informed 9 Information Melbourne.
“It was once only a reflex response and it was once only a pat at the head and the ball got here release and I handballed it to the umpire.
“I’ll glance within the digicam and say I’m very sorry for this. It gained’t occur once more. I will be able to be told from this and I will be able to develop into a greater particular person for it.
“At no stage did he ever give me permission to put my hands on him and it’s uncalled for and not acceptable in today’s world.
“I’m in reality sorry for my public, I’ve abashment myself and them. I used to be there as a public guy and I left a damaged guy.”
The incident isn’t without precedent in the AFL. Last year, a fan was banned from attending matches until the end of 2024 after reaching over the fence to grab Richmond’s Marlion Pickett.
Sports activities content material to form you suppose… or permit you to not. A e-newsletter delivered every Saturday.
