Richmond players forced to deny making light of Sydney Swans saga in Mad Monday antics

“Embarrassed” Richmond players have denied they were referencing or making light of the Sydney Swans saga during Mad Monday celebrations at a Victorian pub.

The Tigers were filmed at The Garfield Hotel, about 80km east of Melbourne, where the team had booked out the venue following the end of the club’s 2026 season.

Footage captured by news outlets on Monday showed one player feigning shock after being spanked on the rear by a teammate, while an additional clip showed a player whipping another across the back with a belt.

The footage prompted scrutiny amid suggestions the antics appeared to reference the scandal engulfing Sydney, where a police investigation into allegations of sexual assault is underway.

There is no suggestion of criminal wrongdoing by any Richmond player, and the circumstances surrounding the Tigers footage are markedly different from the serious allegations surrounding the Sydney Swans being investigated by Victoria Police.

“Richmond is aware of a video circulating from a player end-of-season gathering,” the statement read.

“The club has spoken to the players who have expressed their embarrassment over their behaviour.

“The players are adamant they were in no way referencing or making light of recent matters.”

It comes after the venue where the players were gathered launched a spirited defence of the team, the controversy has been “blown out of proportion”.

“In our view, this has been blown out of proportion,” The Garfield Hotel said in a statement posted to social media.

The pub said it “could not speak more highly” of the players and their behaviour throughout the afternoon.

“For such a young group, they were extremely respectful and a fun group of boys to deal with,” the statement read.

“They enjoyed a few quiet beers to unwind after a long season, and we see nothing wrong with that.

“They had booked out the venue for the afternoon, so they were the only patrons on site.