AFL: Major twist after goal umpire was hit in the head with a bottle launched by a fan in disgraceful scenes
- AFL referee bleeds after ‘disgraceful’ incident
- A 23-year-old man has been charged by police
- The referee suffered a cut to his head after the incident
A man has been charged after allegedly throwing a bottle at a referee during an AFL match in Melbourne last weekend.
Referee Steven Piperno was substituted midway through the second quarter of a clash between Carlton and St Kilda at Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium on Sunday after a bottle was thrown at his head.
Piperno suffered a cut. According to the AAP, the bottle was thrown by Carlton administrators from a row of chairs near the Carlton cheerleading team.
Victoria Police have now charged a 23-year-old man from Northcote with recklessly causing injury, firing a missile and unlawful assault following the alleged incident.
The 23-year-old has been released on bail and is due to appear in Melbourne District Court on November 1.
Carlton manager Michael Voss previously said the club would not tolerate the incident.
“That’s not what football is about,” Voss said.
‘We spend a lot of time inspiring and cheering people up, and we want families to join our football club.
Goal referee Steven Piperno was hit in the head by the flying water bottle in the second half
Medical staff assessed Piperno, who was bleeding from his head as a result of the incident. A man has since been charged by Victoria Police
“We want to create that really safe environment and I think we’re doing a really good job of that. We’re going to continue to reinforce that.
“It’s something that hopefully the AFL will look at strongly. I know our club will.”
The fan reportedly fled the stadium shortly after the incident, while police and stadium security launched an investigation.
Piperno did not return to the field to lead the second half, but he did give the crowd and TV cameras a double thumbs up shortly after his assessment while sitting on the boundary line.
According to AFL experts, the fan will face a lifetime ban if caught.
Shocked commentators expressed their disappointment with the fans, both during and after the match.
“Terrible to see a bottle thrown at the referee,” wrote former Sydney Swans star player and now AFL commentator Jude Bolton on X.
‘Unacceptable and disgusting behavior.’
Channel Seven commentator Brian Taylor called the incident an “absolute disgrace”.
“There’s no room for that in any game,” he said.
“I know he looks good and he’s taken it well, but he’s got quite a bit of blood being sucked out of the back of his head, so it’s not something to take lightly.”
Garry Lyon also criticised the ‘cowardly act’ on Fox Footy’s Sunday Ticket programme.
“That’s just a borderline case, that’s it. This coward will be exposed and he will never return to football,” he said.
Piperno did not return to his duties in the second half, but gave the supporters a double thumbs up
Richmond veteran Jack Riewoldt noted that the bottle came from low in the stands.
‘Someone tried to walk through the cheerleading team and throw a bottle at a referee who has absolutely no influence on the number of free kicks… it is an act of sheer cowardice.’
Fans expressed their disgust over the ‘dog act’ on social media.
“Whoever threw the water bottle and hit the referee should be charged with assault and banned for at least 10 years,” one fan wrote on X.
Marvel Stadium police and security immediately investigated the incident Sunday evening
Tensions ran high in Melbourne as the Blues desperately tried to secure a place in the final
‘A well deserved life ban for the absolute caveman who threw that water bottle at the goal umpire. Despicable,’ wrote another.
Tensions ran high during the final home and away game as Carlton desperately tried to secure a top eight spot for the final.
However, the Saints came out on top and finished the season with .
A late goal from Jack Higgins put the Saints ahead with just 12 seconds left on the clock and gave them a two-point victory.
Carlton narrowly qualified for the final after Port Adelaide defeated Fremantle.