AFL activates $2000 suspended fine against Dustin Martin after two-fingered saluteHerald-Sun
August 28, 2015RICHMOND’S Dustin Martin is $2000 out of pocket after the AFL activated a suspended fine for his two-fingered gesture towards Collingwood supporters during Saturday’s’ 91-point win at the MCG.
The AFL’s football operations department sanctioned Martin for making an offensive gesture, which activated a $2000 suspended fine imposed by the AFL in 2013.
That two-year suspended fine came after Martin celebrated a goal in the elimination final against Carlton by making a handcuffs gesture.
The AFL released a statement which read: “After contacting the club and receiving a written explanation from the player, it was decided the suspended sanction from 2013 would be imposed for this matter, with no further penalty beyond the $2000 fine.
The AFL’s match review panel had referred Martin’s latest two-fingered salute straight to the football operations department for determination under the competition’s player rules.
Martin was one of several Tigers, including Jack Riewoldt and Tyrone Vickery, who responded during Saturday’s match after being on the receiving end of some colourful advice from the Pies fans.
Richmond coach Damien Hardwick acknowledged on Thursday that the byplay with opposition fans was “not something we’re overly rapt with’’.
“We just spoke to our group about ‘hey listen, let’s just play within the confines of the game’,’’ Hardwick said.
“We like our players to celebrate goals with their teammates, we like our players to just worry about what’s happening within the white lines.’’
Richmond defender Alex Rance said earlier this week that the Collingwood fans behind the goals came close to crossing the line in their banter with Tigers’ players, but “if they feel like they’re helping their side then I think they’re well within their rights’’.
“There’s definitely a line, but I love the passion that all supporters show. There is definitely a line there that I think supporters and players don’t necessarily need to cross,’’ Rance said.
“I know Richmond have got some beautiful and passionate supporters too.”
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