AFL’s ‘most hated player’ Toby Greene has his ban DOUBLED for bumping his shoulder into an umpire during a heated argument
- AFL Counsel Jeff Gleeson said Toby Greene’s bump was an ‘act of contempt’
- The GWS Giants forward, 28, then saw his suspension doubled to six games
- GWS accepted the appeals board’s decision and consider the matter finalised
The footy star penalised for bumping an umpire during a heated match has seen his original ban doubled to six games.
Greater Western Sydney Giants forward Toby Greene, arguably the most hated player in the AFL, was initially suspended for three matches.
He was reported for making intentional contact with umpire Matt Stevic with his shoulder in their elimination final against the Sydney Swans on August 28.
However, the AFL described the penalty as ‘manifestly inadequate’ and appealed, damnding the ban be far longer.
GWS Giants forward Toby Greene was initially suspended for three matches following the incident against the Sydney Swans in an elimination final back on August 28
At Thursday’s hearing, appeals board chair Murray Kellam QC said other players must be deterred from similar poor on-field conduct.
‘There is a need for the penalty to adequately denounce the behaviour. Respect for umpires is at the heart of the integrity of the game,’ he said.
‘This is a message that goes further than just AFL players, it is a message to the whole Australian football community.’
Serial bad boy Greene seemingly went out of his way to bump into Stevic at quarter-time, with footy fans stunned at what unfolded.
GWS general manager of football Jason McCartney said the club accepted the increased penalty from the governing body.
‘As we said at the time, as a club, we maintain that umpires are sacrosanct. We understand the important role they play in our game and they are to be respected at all times,’ he said.
However, the AFL described the penalty as ‘manifestly inadequate’ following the run-in with umpire Matt Stevic and appealed, with the ban now six weeks for Toby Greene (pictured above)
The fiery GWS forward has told his teammates he need to curb his aggression on field
‘Toby apologised for his actions. He is remorseful for the incident that occurred and understands the responsibility he has to umpires specifically, and [to] the game more broadly.
‘We accept the suspension and consider the matter finalised.’
Vice-captain Greene also acknowledged to his teammates he needed to change his controversial ways on the field.
He served the first game of his suspension when he sat out the Giants loss to Geelong in the second week of the AFL finals, and now won’t return until round six next year.
Greene’s leadership qualities remain highly regarded by the Giants – despite his repeated indiscretions – which have led to 22 charges since his debut in 2012.
Greene has been suspended for a total of 14 matches and accrued almost $30,000 worth of fines in his career to date.
The AFL bad boy from GWS is a supremely talented athlete – but is also a player rival supporters love to hate
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