The fan who touched Richmond player Marlion Pickett during last Friday's match at Marvel Stadium has been banned from attending matches until the end of the 2024 season by the AFL.
The incident in question took place during the third quarter of the Round 21 match, where a fan reached over the barrier at the venue and touched Pickett. Pickett was seen knocking the fan's drink from their hand after, with nearby security stepping in to address the matter.
On Monday, the league confirmed that following an investigation into the matter, the patron, who was not a member of either Richmond or the Western Bulldogs, was banned from attending matches until the end of next season.
After viewing security footage and tracing the patron's details, the league handed down the punishment, banning them from attending all AFL and/or AFLW matches until October 2024.
“We have the best fans in the world and more than 6.4 million people have attended the footy this year and we want everyone who comes to the footy to cheer for their team and enjoy the experience of being there, but when you overstep the boundaries, which is what happened on Friday night, then you will lose the privilege of being able to attend the footy," AFL EGM Customer and Commercial Kylie Rogers said.
“Our clear message is this - we love the interactions between players and fans especially in the precious moments pre and post-game - however what we saw on Friday night during the match is not acceptable and never will be.”
Pickett spoke with Richmond football boss Tim Livingstone at the three-quarter time break just moments after the incident, while interim senior coach Andrew McQualter said after the game that players "should never, ever be touched".
"I don't know the full details, but it shouldn't happen," McQualter said.
"We love fans in our game, and they're so critical to our game, but our players should never, ever be touched when they're on the football field."