Toby Greene

Greene handed suspension for ump incident

JUST IN | A decision has been made👇

Published by
Mitch Keating

Toby Greene has been found guilty of his Intentional Umpire Contact charge and will serve a three-game suspension.

Greene had been hit with the charge following an altercation with field umpire Matt Stevic in Saturday's Elimination Final win over Sydney.

The Giants forward was referred directly to the AFL Tribunal for the incident, which he pleaded not guilty to at Tuesday's hearing.

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As a result of the suspension, Greene will now miss his side's semi-final clash against Geelong on Friday, as well as any further finals should the Giants progress.

Greene admitted that while contact was made with Stevic, he would argue the charge for his intention.

An email revealed to the Tribunal from umpire Stevic stated:  "I was aware he made some minor contact with me … I considered the contact minor and didn't feel threatened at the time." - per AFL.com.au.

In the hearing, Stevic stated Greene's actions and contact was not disrespectful, aggressive or demonstrative, however stated it was a good look for the game.

Greene stated that he attempted to avoid Stevic when looking to come off the field at three-quarter time of Saturday's match.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 14: Toby Greene of the Giants runs with the ball during a Greater Western Sydney Giants AFL media opportunity at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 14, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)

"I was talking to Matt about the decision, that's what was going through my mind. I realised I was close to him and, naturally, I tried to avoid it. I strongly disagree (it was intentional). I highly respect Matt," Greene said.

""I don't think it's a great look. Upon watching the vision, I agree (with Stevic's view). I was the one who caused the contact, but I was trying to avoid it at the same time as well.

"I do apologise for making contact. It's certainly something I wasn't trying to do. I agree it's not a great look for the game and I do apologise."

Published by
Mitch Keating