Greene light to double Toby’s ban
THE AFL has issued a strong message to its players that disrespect for umpires will not be tolerated after GWS Giants star Toby Greene’s three-week-suspension was doubled on Thursday.
At an AFL appeals board hearing, the league successfully argued Greene’s initial three-match ban was “manifestly inadequate” for making “aggressive” contact with umpire Matt Stevic at three quarter-time of the elimination final.
The panel agreed, with board chairman Murray Kellam saying in his verdict of the “need to send a strong message” to footballers at all levels, with the “need for the penalty imposed to adequately denounce the conduct.”
“Respect for umpires is at the heart of the integrity of the game … the player implausibly maintained that he was trying to avoid contact with the umpire,” Kellam said in his verdict.
“Umpires at all levels have to know that this is the position and that they can carry out their vital function with confidence.
“The image, integrity and the reputation of Australian football must be protected. That can only happen if players at all levels act responsibly and honour their obligations to the umpires.”
Greene’s counsel, Ben Ihle QC, argued that a three-week suspension was already a “very, very significant” ban.