A supporter of the Collingwood football team has been barred from attending matches for the remainder of the year after reaching over the fence and grabbing a player from the opposing West Coast Eagles during a match on Sunday.
In the final quarter of the game at Marvel Stadium, the individual, identified as a member of the Magpies, leaned over the barrier and made physical contact with young Eagles player Harvey Johnston, even taking the football from him.
Although the AFL described the incident as “innocuous”, the supporter has been banned from attending matches for life, with a 24-month suspension from all AFL or AFLW games for the remainder of the year. Additionally, Collingwood Football Club has suspended the supporter’s membership. However, subject to ongoing cooperation, the individual may be allowed to purchase a club membership and attend matches again in 2027.
Speaking on the matter, an AFL spokesperson emphasized the importance of maintaining clear boundaries for fan conduct at games. While the league values fan-player interactions, such as pre and post-game celebrations, the incident during the match was deemed unacceptable.
This is not the first time such incidents have occurred. Last August, another patron received a ban until the end of 2024 for a similar act involving a Richmond player at Marvel Stadium. Additionally, earlier this year, a patron received a lifetime ban after running onto the Adelaide Oval during a match between Adelaide and Geelong, resulting in their arrest by police.
AFL General Counsel Stephen Meade acknowledged the seemingly harmless nature of the incident but stressed that such actions should not take place. He commended the player’s professional response and noted that the involved fan promptly apologized to both clubs and the AFL, indicating an understanding of the unacceptable nature of their actions.