Banned for breach of virus rules

AFL: Essendon’s Brandon Zerk-Thatcher has become the first player banned for breaking coronavirus protocols, as Port Adelaide throws vice-captain Ollie Wines at the mercy of league officials.

Zerk-Thatcher was banned yesterday from playing this weekend, as Port awaited a sanction after admitting Wines had also broken coronavirus rules.

Zerk-Thatcher self-reported to his club and the AFL that he had breached livingarrangement protocols. The exact nature of his breach wasn’t detailed in statements from the AFL and Essendon.

The AFL said in a statement the 21-year-old had been suspended for one match.

“While the player selfreported the matter and was remorseful for his actions, all players and match-day officials need to abide by the protocols,” AFL general counsel Andrew Dillon said.

Meanwhile, Port was appealing for leniency from the AFL ahead of a ruling on Wines, who could be suspended or fined for what Port’s general manager of football, Chris Davies, described as an “inadvertent” breach.

Wines gave an interview to a TV network on Wednesday outside his house, breaking AFL rules that dictate interviews must be held at a player’s club or via video links.

“Ollie needs to own the fact that it happened,” Davies said.

Port knew the interview with the Seven Network was scheduled but assumed league protocols would be met.

“Ollie should have known what the protocols are … this is something that we could have done a whole heap better,” Davies said.

Tested for COVID-19 yesterday, Wines will be allowed to return to the club if the result is negative.

Steve Larkin