The VFL has handed Williamstown coach Justin Plapp a suspended two-match ban for 'Conduct Unbecoming' during the Seagulls' season opener against Essendon last week.
An incident involving Plapp and an emergency field umpire during the game at Tullamarine caught the ire of the VFL, who have found Plapp to have breached league regulations.
Plapp has been found to have directed "inappropriate and obscene language" toward the match official following an investigation by the VFL. The Seagulls senior coach has since apologised for his actions.
The league has handed Plapp a suspended ban, which will remain in place until the end of the 2026 season.
"The VFL wishes to advise that Williamstown senior men's coach Justin Plapp has been found guilty of breaching VFL Regulation 2.2(a) Conduct Unbecoming during the Round 1 match between Williamstown and Essendon," a VFL statement read.
"Plapp was charged with conduct unbecoming for directing inappropriate and obscene language towards the emergency field umpire and umpire trainer during the third quarter.
"Plapp has received a two-match wholly suspended sentence and now needs to perform his match-day coaching duties from the coaches' box where applicable.
"In determining the sanction, the VFL took into account Plapp's apology and contrition, and acknowledgement that his conduct was inappropriate and unnecessary.
"The two-match suspended sanction will be in play until October 31, 2026."
Williamstown fell to Essendon by 11 points in their season opener, with the standalone club set to face GWS this Saturday as they search for their maiden win of the new campaign.
Plapp, a former player for Richmond and St Kilda, joined the Seagulls at the end of 2020 following a stint with Melbourne.
