AFL Rd 7 - Adelaide v St Kilda
ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 20: Adelaide Crows players run onto the ground during the round 7 AFL match between the Adelaide Crows and the St Kilda Saints at Adelaide Oval on July 20, 2020 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Kalisz/Getty Images)

The Crows have been slammed with a $50,000 fine after a breach of AFL COVID protocols.

Adelaide had asked the AFL to investigate claims a number of Crows players and officials did not adhere to the rule of wearing a facemask while on a commercial flight from Sydney to Adelaide last weekend.

The AFL found that a number of players and officials didn't wear their facemasks correctly on the flight.

The monster $50,000 fine will come out of the club's soft cap in a massive blow as clubs already deal with reduced resources off-field.

AFL General Counsel Andrew Dillon said the Crows' actions were simply inexcusable.

“First and foremost, we all have a very clear responsibility to ensure we do everything we can to best protect the health and well-being of our family, friends and everyone in the community,” Mr Dillon said.

“The rule here is clear and has been in place for some time and there is simply no excuse for not abiding by it.

“We will not compromise the health and well-being of the community, and remind everyone in the industry – players, coaches, officials and staff - that they have a responsibility to adhere to the rules for the safety of everyone.”

Crows CEO Tim Silvers said the club was very disappointed and hadn't lived up to it's expectations.

“We are well aware of our responsibilities and the need to adhere to guidance and protocols put in place by the AFL and health authorities," he said.

“We failed in this area and we would like to apologise to the other passengers on the plane.

“Our Club accepts the AFL’s penalty and from top to bottom owns this error in judgement.

“We were complacent and this matter must serve as a reminder to be vigilant in playing our part to try and limit the spread of COVID-19.

“It is a privilege to be playing games during these challenging times and we acknowledge the government requirement for people to wear facemasks in airports and on all domestic commercial flights.”