A Collingwood member who made shocking death threats to Carlton coach Michael Voss has copped a hefty ban by the AFL.
The fan, who remains unidentified, has been banned from attending all AFL and AFLW matches, and all events at the MCG, for five years.
The person sent what the AFL described as “a highly inappropriate and threatening text message” to the MCG’s anti-social behaviour hotline during last Friday’s match between Carlton and Collingwood.
“The anti-social hotline at venues is designed to ensure everyone attending the match can do so in a safe and inclusive manner, and the majority of times this service is used appropriately,” Head of AFL Integrity and Security Tony Keane said.
“We understand there is passion in the game however the text message in question sent to the MCG hotline on Friday crossed the line.
“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.”
Collingwood confirmed in a statement that the patron’s membership has also been torn up.
“Collingwood supports the sanction issued to a Club Member following their misuse of the MCG’s anti-social behaviour hotline during the Round 17 match against Carlton,” the club said.
“The Club is very disappointed by the Member’s actions which have resulted in a five-year ban from both the MCG and AFL – Collingwood will follow suit.
“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”.
