The Adelaide Oval pitch invader from Friday night's game between Adelaide and Geelong has been arrested and charged.
SEN journalist Sam Edmund reported that the "AFL is considering a lifetime ban on the 22-year-old" and will appear before the Adelaide Magistrates Court on June 19.
The AFL is this afternoon giving strong consideration to slapping a lifetime ban on the 22-year-old Adelaide pitch invader. The man was arrested and charged and is subject to further police action, but Iโm not sure anyone would object if the AFL took this step. @1116sen
— Sam Edmund (@Sammy__Edmund) March 23, 2024
The invader jumped oval the Adelaide Oval's fence during the third quarter when the game was tight, with Crows players Matt Crouch and Ben Keays attempting to apprehend the offender.
Geelong had just begun to get on top of Adelaide when the game was stopped, halting the momentum of the home side.
CHAOS with a short delay in the game for a pitch invader in Adelaide ๐
๐บ Watch #AFLCrowsCats LIVE on ch. 504 or stream on Kayo: https://t.co/c5VwhmeFbG
โ๏ธ BLOG https://t.co/ktWH0pQ5oV
๐ข MATCH CENTRE https://t.co/8iAz0yWnXD pic.twitter.com/h4cfehHBU0— Fox Footy (@FOXFOOTY) March 22, 2024
Both coaches were unimpressed by the occurrence, labelling it "dangerous", with Chris Scott referring to cricketer Terry Alderman's subsequent injury when taking matters into his own hands.
"Maybe the fines aren't big enough," Scott said after the match.
"It's really dangerous too.
"I am generally so far away from punitive reactions to almost anything in society, that's just not the way I believe things should be done.
"But there is one example, I will go back and show my age โฆ Terry Alderman needed a shoulder reconstruction because of one of these idiots."
Crows coach Matthew Nicks shared the same view, suggesting there's improvement needed.
"It's really disappointing and it's dangerous โฆ pitch invaders, I don't understand it," Nicks said post-game.
"I took the opportunity to have a look into the computer and see where the team could be better so I didn't really get a good look at what played out.
"But it's disappointing to see that someone in this day and age still runs out on the footy field. I don't get it.
"Especially when the game is going, to be right in amongst it.
"The dangers are huge not only for our players but for that individual."
The invader is facing at least a three-year ban from Adelaide Oval and up to a $5000 fine.