The bottle thrower from the eventful Marvel Stadium clash between Carlton and St Kilda has received a lifetime ban from the AFL for his sickening act against Goal Umpire Steven Piperno.
Cowardly fleeing the scene after striking the official, the patron has been identified as a previous three-game Carlton member but will no longer be permitted to purchase an AFL or AFLW membership or attend any games.
The incident occurred during the second quarter of the blockbuster clash and forced an umpire substitute as blood streamed from the back of Piperno's head.
Victorian police have charged the man with recklessly causing injury, discharge of a missile and unlawful assault, and a date with the Melbourne Magistrate's court set for November 1.
โOur clear message is this - what we witnessed on Sunday is not acceptable, and it never will be.โ AFL General Counsel Stephen Meade said.
โA record 7.75 million fans attended matches this year, we have the best fans in the world, but if you choose to assault someone who is doing their job, then you will lose the privilege of being able to attend the footy.
โOn behalf of the AFL, thank you to the fans in the area who helped identify the bottle thrower and Victoria Police for acting so swiftly.
โWe are glad Steven was not seriously hurt and we look forward to seeing him umpire in this year's finals series.โ
