- AFL investigating Collingwood fan
- Pies fan patted West Coast player on the head
- Do you know the fan involved? Email: ollie.lewis@mailonline.co.uk
The AFL has launched an investigation into an incident between a Collingwood fan and West Coast star Harvey Johnston.
According to News Corp, the league is not happy with the fan’s behavior after he went over the edge to pat the soccer star on the head in an innocent-looking exchange that Johnston laughed off.
The heavily tattooed Pies fan patted Johnston on the head before taking the ball from Sherrin and handing it to the referee.
The same media reports that the fan immediately regretted his actions and gave his details to the police and Marvel Stadium security, making it clear that he should not have touched the player.
“This is the video of the interaction between the Pies fan and Harvey Johnston,” Jon Ralph tweeted.
AFL investigating Collingwood fan who touched West Coast Eagles player
The league does not look favorably on the incident involving Harvey Johnston
“Very cordial (and cheeky) but I’m sure the AFL and Pies will be keen to remind fans not to touch the players in any way.” Both the league and the Pies are aware of this.
The AFL has the fan’s data and is investigating as we speak.
“They will have to analyze whether they punish the fans, since they very vaguely see the fans touching the players.” It could end up being a warning.
The AFL has taken a tough stance on interactions between fans and players, with one spectator banned from attending games for 12 months after patting Richmond’s Marlion Pickett over the fence last season.
“When you overstep the boundaries, which is what happened on Friday night, you will lose the privilege of being able to attend football,” AFL executive Kylie Rogers said after the Pickett incident.
‘Our clear message is this: we love the interactions between players and fans, especially in the precious moments before and after the game. However, what we saw on Friday night during the game is not acceptable and never will be.”