Police are examining an altercation that arose during a recent match between the Sydney Swans and Port Adelaide, specifically an incident involving Port defender Aliir Aliir. The event unfolded in the final quarter of Port’s narrow eight-point victory when a sign, thrown by a rival Sydney fan, narrowly missed Aliir as he approached the boundary.
After taking an intercept mark in the goal square, Aliir made his way towards the grandstand, where the disgruntled supporter leaned over the railing and hurled the sign. In response, Aliir confronted the fan before returning to the game. The Swans reached out to Port Adelaide following the incident, and they are now engaged in discussions with venue officials to gather more information.
Subsequently, the Swans confirmed that the fan was removed from the stadium and questioned by both venue staff and law enforcement. The club stated that they are investigating whether the individual holds a membership. The Swans have reached out to Aliir and reiterated their commitment to educating fans about appropriate conduct, emphasising a zero-tolerance policy towards abusive behaviour.
Fox Footy’s chief footy reporter, Tom Morris, noted that the AFL will await a detailed report on the matter before deciding on any disciplinary measures. The league has previously enforced strict penalties for unsporting behaviour, including lifetime bans for those who have thrown objects at officials and other severe actions against players.
While it is unlikely that this particular fan will face a lifetime ban, the AFL is expected to implement stringent measures aimed at curbing any future incidents. Port Adelaide’s coach Ken Hinkley condemned such actions, urging fans to respect players and appreciate the sport rather than engage in misconduct. He expressed that if fans cannot admire the players and enjoy the game, they should refrain from attending matches.