A Collingwood member has been banned from attending all AFL and AFLW matches, including events at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, for five years, after sending a “highly inappropriate and threatening” text to the MCG’s anti-social behaviour hotline during the Round 17 blockbuster against Carlton.
The AFL confirmed the punishment in a league-wide memo on Thursday, with Head of Integrity and Security Tony Keane stressing the supporter’s actions “crossed the line”.
“No one deserves to be threatened”: AFL slams behaviour
“We understand there is passion in the game, however, the text message in question sent to the MCG hotline on Friday crossed the line,” Keane said.
“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.”
MORE: Why Craig McRae feels sorry for Carlton coach Michael Voss
Collingwood also endorsed the decision, stating the club “is very disappointed by the member's actions” and will follow through with the same five-year ban.
“Collingwood will not tolerate any threats to officials, supporters or individuals involved in our great game – such conduct is unacceptable and not representative of the club or its values,” the statement read.
The incident adds to a growing list of fan misconduct in recent seasons.
In 2024, a Magpies supporter was banned for grabbing an opposition player, while a Carlton fan received a lifetime ban for injuring a goal umpire with a thrown bottle.