A delicate area, but Tiger pair’s apologies accepted for ‘stupid action’

TIGERS Nick Vlastuin and Jayden Short have apologised to teammate Mabior Chol for repeatedly grabbing at his genitalia and backside during post-game celebrations.

The pair were captured by changeroom cameras poking fingers at Chol and reaching for his groin during the customary post-match singing of the Richmond theme song on Thursday night.

Chol continually knocked their hands away and then used his own hands to shield himself.

Richmond declared actions “unacceptable”.

“It was a stupid action and I am deeply embarrassed,” Vlastuin said. “I’ve apologised to Mabior.” their

Short said that the act was “unacceptable behaviour and a poor example”.

Chol, 23, said he had taken no offence.

“I have no issue whatsoever with those players, or any of my teammates,” Chol said.

“But I understand that is not the sort of example we should be setting.”

Richmond said “the entire playing group have made clear this behaviour will cease”.

The AFL told Richmond on Friday the behaviour was unacceptable and juvenile.

Richmond coach Damien Hardwick cut short his weekly press conference on Friday after a TV reporter asked him if he was aware of the clips.

Veteran reporter Hugh Riminton said he had spoken with lawyers who said there “had clearly been a sexual assault taking place” and that it was “a breach of the criminal law at state and commonwealth level … of the AFL code of conduct, the players’ code of conduct”.

Hardwick replied: “No, mate (I’m not aware). I appreciate your time but let’s talk about the game.”

Carlton AFLW player Tayla Harris condemned the Richmond players’ actions.

“Kids playing junior footy see this on the (television) and think it’s OK,” she wrote on social media. “It is not OK.

“I don’t care about the ‘boys club’ BS, this is severely inappropriate. Grow up.”

Former Essendon champion Matthew Lloyd said on radio 3AW: “I think Hugh Riminton has done an amazing thing for our game (because) it will stop it.”