The actions of a member from the crowd during Sunday's match between Carlton and St Kilda have soured the day's events, with a projectile lofted from behind the goals striking goal umpire Steven Piperno in the back of the head.
Goal-line footage captured what looks to be a drink bottle striking Piperno in the first half of the Round 24 game, with the veteran match official eventually leaving the game and undergoing treatment on the sidelines.
Emergency goal umpire Chelsea Roffey was brought into the match before the half-time break in Piperno's place.
Absolutely unacceptable behaviour from a fan, throwing a water bottle at the goal umpire.
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Marvel Stadium staff were seen investigating the matter, searching through the crowd for the perpetrator.
Carlton's Cheersquad released a statement shortly after the event confirming the patron in question is not a member of their group.
"We saw it happen," the statement read.ย "The person isn't a Cheersquad member.
"We instantly pointed them out to security and the person removed themselves from the ground right then and there.
"We hope the goal umpire is alright. Terrible. Should never happen."
The AFL is yet to comment on the matter.
The clash between Carlton and St Kilda has been a much-anticipated affair this week, with a win for the Blues booking them a place in the top eight.
