AFL FANS ASSOCIATION: “GIVING FOOTY FANS A VOICE”
The AFL Fans Association has condemned the behaviour of a section of the Hawthorn crowd following Saturday night's dramatic preliminary final between Hawthorn and Brisbane at the MCG.
The AFLFA understands the enormous disappointment and frustration felt by Hawthorn supporters following an extraordinary finish to a game decided in the final moments.
The two late umpiring decisions — the deliberate out-of-bounds free kick and, shortly afterwards, the holding-the-ball decision against Jarman Impey which resulted in Brisbane taking the lead with just 18 seconds remaining — were contentious and left many Hawthorn supporters extremely upset and frustrated.
However, there is simply no excuse for throwing bottles, cans or any other objects onto the playing surface of the stadium.
AFLFA President Ron Issko said supporters had every right to be passionate and frustrated, but there was a line that must never be crossed.
"We completely understand the passion, disappointment and frustration of Hawthorn supporters. Losing a preliminary final in such circumstances would be incredibly difficult to take.”
"Fans are entitled to disagree with umpiring decisions. They can boo, barrack and express their frustration. That's part of being a passionate football supporter.”
"But it is never, ever an excuse to throw bottles or cans onto the ground or at the umpires. What we saw was an ugly look for our game.”
"There is an even more serious concern when objects are thrown towards people. A bottle or can could cause a serious injury to a player, umpire, security staff, ground staff or another spectator.”
"When a bottle is thrown towards an umpire and comes close to hitting them, that crosses an even more serious line. No-one should have to fear being struck by a projectile simply because they are doing their job."
The AFLFA said the behaviour should not detract from what had been an extraordinary football contest.
Mr Issko said:
"We don't want a magnificent preliminary final remembered for bottles and cans being thrown around the MCG.”
"Nor should the actions of a section of the crowd unfairly reflect on the thousands of Hawthorn supporters who behaved appropriately and were simply devastated by the result.”
"Footy is an emotional game, and that's one of the things that makes Australian football so special. But passion has to come with responsibility.”
"You can be upset. You can be frustrated. You can boo. You can disagree with the umpires. But you cannot put other people at risk."
"Throwing bottles and cans is not part of supporting your team; it is dangerous and unacceptable.”
About the AFL Fans Association
The AFL Fans Association is the national voice for AFL supporters, advocating for the interests of fans and working to ensure supporters have a meaningful voice in the future of Australian football.
AFL Fans Association membership is free, and fans are encouraged to join at www.aflfans.org.au and follow the AFL Fans Association on social media.
More information: Email: media@aflfans.org.au.
