Sydney Swans' Elijah Taylor suspended for the rest of 2020 season for breaching biosecurity protocols

Lachlan McKirdy

Sydney Swans' Elijah Taylor suspended for the rest of 2020 season for breaching biosecurity protocols image

Sydney Swans' Elijah Taylor has been suspended for the rest of the season after breaching the AFL's biosecurity protocols.

Taylor is said to have breached protocols after his partner entered the Swans quarantine zone without being authorised. 

Taylor has played four matches for the Swans in 2020, impressing plenty in his debut season. 

However, that will be his last action for the year after the AFL's ruling on Saturday night. 

MORE: AFL 2020 fixtures: League announces rounds 14-18

In a statement released by the AFL, they confirmed that after an investigation, the punishment was handed down to Taylor. 

"The AFL confirms Sydney Swans player Elijah Taylor will be suspended for the rest of the 2020 Toyota AFL Premiership Season after breaching the AFL’s return to play protocols," the statement read.
 
"Taylor breached the protocols after his partner entered the Sydney Swans quarantine accommodation in Western Australia when not authorised to do so.
 
"It is a breach of not only the AFL return to play protocols but also the Western Australian COVID-19 quarantine directions that currently apply to all Sydney Swans players and officials at their quarantine accommodation.

"The AFL, in conjunction with the club, investigated the matter and has determined that Taylor be suspended for the rest of the season."

The AFL also announced that the Swans would be fined $50,000 for the breach with half of that amount suspended.
 
"The Sydney Swans have been sanctioned $50,000 for the breach, with $25,000 of that amount suspended," the statement continued.
 
"$25,000 will be included in the Swans 2021 Soft Cap."

Andrew Dillon, the AFL's General Counsel, confirmed that the punishment was a strong one to send a message that breaches would not be accepted by the game's governing body.

“The actions by Elijah not only breach the AFL’s protocols, but made it a police matter by breaching the Western Australian COVID-19 quarantine directions," Dillon said.
 
“When in quarantine the rules are clear and there is no excuse for this breach.”

The Sydney Swans issued a statement after the punishment was revealed, stating they were 'extremely disappointed' by the incident.

"The Sydney Swans are extremely disappointed to report that one of our players has breached quarantine restrictions in Western Australia," the statement read.

"On Friday night, the club became aware that the partner of one of our players had visited the resort where the team is undertaking a 14-day quarantine period. 

"The player, Elijah Taylor, is originally from Western Australia. 

"The club immediately notified the AFL and WA Police and has been working with both parties on the necessary steps forward.

"WA Police have notified the club that Taylor can continue his quarantine with the team, while his partner will also be required to quarantine for 14 days."

Tom Harley, CEO of the Sydney Swans, confirmed that the club would accept the sanctions and Taylor's suspension.

“We’re extremely disappointed to be in this position as our staff and players are all well aware of both the AFL protocols and the restrictions we are required to adhere to while in quarantine,” Harley said. 

“We have spoken to Elijah at length and he understands the seriousness of this situation, which has also been reiterated to the entire team.

“We also appreciate that the circumstances of this year are unique and challenging for everyone, and we will continue to provide support to Elijah, as well as our other staff and players who are away from their families.

“The club would like to unreservedly apologise to the WA community. Clearly the restrictions we are adhering to are designed to protect the community and any breach is unacceptable.”

The Sydney Swans take on the Fremantle Dockers in round 13 next Saturday night at Optus Stadium. 

The news comes after the Swans caused an upset victory over their cross-town rivals, the GWS GIANTS on Thursday night.

 

 

Lachlan McKirdy

Lachlan McKirdy Photo