AFL to hit bottle throwers with years-long stadium ban after preliminary final furore

The AFL wants to ban any fans who threw bottles at the preliminary final umpires at the MCG for a minimum of five years.

Brisbane ’s all-time victory over Hawthorn progressing the Lions to the grand final was followed by ugly scenes on Saturday with the umpires targeted as they walked off the ground.

On Sunday afternoon, Victoria Police gave an update saying 10 people were evicted from the game and issued with penalty notices.

A 40-year-old man from Croydon was detained by security after throwing a bottle and will have to pay the $418 penalty notice.

“No injuries were reported after items were thrown towards the umpires while on the ground and as they left the field. Police continue to make enquiries along with our key stakeholders, in relation to the incident,” a police statement said.

Police are also investigating the assault of two men as they went to leave the venue shortly after the game ended, while a man also has his head allegedly struck on a wall following a verbal disagreement.

The AFL said they are working with police to identify the bottle throwers.

“If identified they will be banned from games and the stadium for a minimum five years,” the AFL said.

“The passion for footy is unmatched in Australian sport, however what transpired last night by a number of individuals was dangerous and crossed the line.”

Angry Hawthorn fans hurled abuse and bottles at umpires after the Hawks were denied a spot in the grand final by a free kick in the during stages of the preliminary final.

The Hawks were clinging onto a three-point lead in the final minute with the ball deep in the Brisbane’s forward line.

The ball ended up Jarman Impey’s hands as he was tackled immediately by Hugh McCluggage. Impey had one arm free but made no attempt to dispose of the ball and the umpire penalised him for holding the ball.

McCluggage went back and slotted the go-ahead goal before the Lions added another after the siren to win by nine points in what was quickly anointed the greatest preliminary final ever.

Hawthorn players could be seen speaking to the umpires in the aftermath of the chaotic finish.