Dustin Martin’s second controversial on-field gesture in less than two years has meant a $2000 AFL fine for the Richmond star.
The match review panel referred the midfielder to AFL football operations after he gave Magpies fans a two-finger salute during last Saturday’s match.
The AFL also fined him $2000 during the 2013 finals series for crossing his arms in a “jailbird” gesture during a match.
That fine was suspended for two years, meaning it was less than a month from expiring.
“The MRP referred Martin’s case back to the football department for decision, due to the fact the Richmond player had had a suspended $2000 sanction … imposed on him,” the AFL said.
“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.”
Earlier on Thursday, Tigers coach Damien Hardwick said they had spoken to their players about on-field behaviour in the wake of the AFL taking action against Martin.
“We just want to control what we control within the white lines and it’s something we spoke to our group about – we didn’t like it,” he said.
“We like our players to celebrate goals with their teammates (and) we like our players to just worry about what’s happening within the white lines.”
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