The AFL and Melbourne Cricket Ground have banned a Collingwood member from all MCG venue events and all AFL and AFLW matches for five years after they sent a "highly inappropriate and threatening text message" to the anti-social behaviour hotline during the Round 17 Carlton vs Collingwood blockbuster.
The AFL sent out a memorandum on Thursday addressing the patron's ban, with Head of AFL Integrity and Security Tony Keane stating the supporter "crossed the line".
โThe anti-social hotline at venues is designed to ensure everyone attending the match can do so in a safe and inclusive manner, and the majority of times this service is used appropriately,โ Keane said.
"We understand there is passion in the game, however, the text message in question sent to the MCG hotline on Friday crossed the line. Regardless of the intent, no coach, player, official, staff member or fan deserves to be threatened in such a way, and now that patron has lost the privilege of attending the footy.โ
In their own statement, Collingwood supported the ban.
"Collingwood supports the sanction issued to a club member following their misuse of the MCG's anti-social behaviour hotline during the Round 17 match against Carlton.
"The club is very disappointed by the member's actions which have resulted in a five-year ban from both the MCG and AFL โ Collingwood will follow suit.
"Collingwood will not tolerate any threats to officials, supporters or individuals involved in our great game โ such conduct is unacceptable and not representative of the club or its values."
The patron's ban adds to a string of inappropriate fan incidents in the past two seasons. In May 2024, a Magpies fan was banned from AFL games for the remainder of the season after leaning over the Marvel Stadium fence and grabbing Eagles player Harvey Johnston. Three months later, a Carlton fan was banned for life after they threw a water bottle at goal umpire Steven Piperno, which resulted in a cut to Piperno's head.
A young Swans fan threw a paper banner at Port Adelaide defender Aliir Aliir earlier this season, but ultimately was only issued a caution and banning notice.
