The AFL has banned a man from AFL and AFLW matches for life after he was identified as being responsible for throwing a water bottle into the head of a goal umpire.
Goal umpire Steven Piperno needed to be replaced to undergo medical treatment after he was struck by the projectile during the second quarter of the Carlton-St Kilda match at Marvel Stadium last weekend.
After a Victoria Police investigation, a man, who has not been named, was charged with offences including recklessly causing injury, discharge of a missile and unlawful assault.
The man, who was previously a three-game Carlton member, was bailed to appear at the Melbourne Magistrates Court on November 1.
He won't be able to be a member of any kind or attend a game for the rest of his life.
“Our clear message is this - what we witnessed on Sunday is not acceptable and it never will be.” AFL General Counsel Stephen Meade said.
“A record 7.75 million fans attended matches this year, we have the best fans in the world, but if you choose to assault someone who is doing their job then you will lose the privilege of being able to attend the footy.
“On behalf of the AFL thank you to the fans in the area who helped identify the bottle thrower and Victoria Police for acting so swiftly.
“We are glad Steven was not seriously hurt and we look forward to seeing him umpire in this year’s finals series.”
Piperno was in between the posts in front of the Carlton cheer squad mid-way through the second quarter when a plastic water bottle hit him in the back of the head/neck.
Emergency umpire Chelsea Roffey replaced Piperno, who was reportedly bleeding following the incident.
Commentators quickly caught wind of the matter and were left stunned when a replay was shown via the goal-post camera.
"That is just nothing short of disgraceful," veteran broadcaster Brian Taylor said.
Absolutely unacceptable behaviour from a fan, throwing a water bottle at the goal umpire.
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At half-time, Fox Footy's Jon Ralph said the patron who threw the bottle, who is not a cheer squad member, left the ground immediately after the incident.
