The Essendon Football Club have released the following statement following an incident between a club member and Melbourne ruckman Max Gawn on Sunday.

Essendon Football Club is committed to maintaining a safe, enjoyable, inclusive and family-friendly match-day environment.

Our members are bound by the clubโ€™s code of conduct, and the behaviour displayed by the member at yesterdayโ€™s game is not only unacceptable but is not consistent with the clubโ€™s values. 

The member in question has formally apologised to Max Gawn and the club for his actions and is deeply remorseful for his behaviour.

The club has issued the member with a first and final warning, and if found to breach the member code of conduct again will face further disciplinary action  and have his membership revoked 

The Essendon member has issued the following apology:

โ€œI am truly sorry and embarrassed by my behaviour. Watching that back on TV I was sickened by my outburst especially as there were women and children nearby.

I now realise that Max Gawn was just doing his job playing football and my actions were terrible.

This has made me look at myself and realise never to behave like that again. I would like to apologise to Max Gawn for my behaviour and also to my family who have been embarrassed and ashamed of my behaviour. 

I would also like to apologise to Essendon Football Club for my actions as it embarrasses and affects the club I love.โ€