Melbourne Demons youngster Clayton Oliver will undoubtedly be involved in many headlines this week following his heated exchange with a Carlton supporter at the MCG – and as a footy fan, I couldn’t be happier.
Oliver was close to the fence during the second quarter of yesterday’s Melbourne versus Carlton game when he appeared to snap back at a fan for something said in the crowd in the second quarter of the Demons’ eight-point win.
Demons coach Simon Goodwin said after the Demons eight-point win that he would talk to his young star.
“I don’t have all the information about what that looks like – once again, a young player learning a behaviour,” he said.
“I will have a look at it and chat to Clayton.
“Clearly, Clayton isn’t going to react to something unnecessarily, so let’s wait and get all the information on the table before we start criticising people.”
As with any recent ‘issue’, there was an outcry from social media.
“Clayton Oliver is going to have a challenging career if he bites back every time someone critiques him on social media or over the fence,” one wrote.
“Someone tell Clayton Oliver to stop being a child,” said another.
But seriously, if we want to make this an issue, we all need to stop acting like children.
For all those who aren’t adamant followers of the AFL, Oliver has been somewhat of a lightning rod for criticism in recent weeks, including a public spat with former Australian Test batsman Damien Martyn.
(AAP Image/Tony McDonough)
Now, if Oliver was having a go at every punter in the stands, that would be too much. But anyone with half a brain would assume this isn’t the only words of wisdom he got that game.
And guess what, he has a right to retaliate.
For far too long we have excused some horrible things yelled at professional athletes because ‘it’s part of the game.’
But every time one has decided to respond, we act in shock. They’ve broken the fourth wall between athlete and punter.
Whether we like it or not, some punters spew some horrific vitriol at their fellow human beings, supposedly safe from a return serve from their place among the thousands in the crowd.
And for too long, just like on the internet, some people think anonymity in the stands is free licence to say things they would be too scared to say to any of these athletes in person.
If you’re ‘brave’ enough to yell abuse or crack a joke at the players on the field, you have no right to be offended when they offer a serve back.
But as with all storms in a teacup, some in the media will demand an apology for the terrible crime of a human response.
That in itself is a bit rich coming from some who moan that footballers aren’t the characters they used to be, but I digress.
Most people in themselves won’t care because they don’t yell obscenities at sporting events – but the ones that do will start to feel a quaking in their boots.
They may have to stop hitting their favourite punching bags when they realise some of them aren’t afraid to knock them back.
We as punters have the ability to contact staff to evict these rabble rousers for their idiotic taunts but it’s almost as if we demand players ‘just tune it out’ or ‘don’t let it get to you.’
But they are human, they have brain snaps or lapses in judgement like any of us.
We will undoubtedly learn more from this exchange in the coming days and maybe weeks and I may have egg on my face when it comes to Oliver in particular.
But for future reference for the people who still don’t seem to get it, if don’t want a footballer to have a go at you, don’t yell things you wouldn’t say directly to their face.
You know, like you do with almost every other person in the world.
J.T. Delacroix
Guest
You're probably referring to John? Bourke. He shoved the umpire to the ground in a reserves match, then jumped the fence to take on a spectator. He was very remorseful for his actions, later admitting that it virtually ruined his life. No ha ha ha.
DingoGray
Roar Guru
While I find this a small issue- I do feel young Oliver has kind of made his own bed with his carry on against West Coast! Firmly placing a Target on his back! And the strength he showed in that incident, I wouldn't be running around giving too much cheek. Someone might just plant one on his choppers like he probably deserves.
William Hill
Guest
I couldn't agree more. Timetable stop all the embalming abuse. Play therapeutic, not the man.
Parer Ben
Roar Rookie
I couldn't disagree more with the intent of this article. I hate everything about the incident. And to suggest that spectators should think twice because players might do more of this is absolutely absurd on so many levels I can't believe you included it. AFL footballers are looked up to by all and sundry and their AFL pay packet and position should come with a certain standard – a standard that should be demanded by the player, club and league. I won't debate the criticism levelled at the supporter because he is demonstrably out of order. I will debate the mental fragility that Clayton Oliver has had on display the past 3 weeks. He went "missing" against Sydney, a supremely honest team, after the weeks social media shenanigans. Sydney were rope-able about the Bugge incident and yet let their hard at the footy intent do the talking – that's a magnificent standard to maintain. They could also look to Jordan Lewis who when playing the villain to the crowd simply gives a wry smile, like it doesn't effect him at all – an impenetrable mental fortress. Melbourne and Clayton Oliver have a lot of growing up to do. The level of an AFL club and player are higher than this.
JDH
Guest
@olrac - however these incidents seem to make Oliver play better, not worse.
GJ
Guest
His 3rd faux pax in the last couple of weeks. Hope its his last 1 for a long time.
Cat
Roar Guru
That interview seemed to me he was just saying what the club lawyers made him say. Didn't look genuine at all.
GJ
Guest
I just saw an interview where he didn't really apologise (sorry not sorry), rolled out a few tired cliches and then more or less denied making a threat .. Weird
Cat
Roar Guru
He initially claimed after the game the the fan called him a week c-word. He continued with that story until late this evening when he admitted the fan never swore at him.
GJ
Guest
Did he just lie or did he just dodge the question in his sorry not sorry interview? 19, great player - damn he's becoming hard to like right now
Pumping Dougie
Guest
LOL
Lroy
Guest
Well Im sure a few of us remember some bloke from Collingwood jumping the fence and belting an opposition supporter back in the day (1979?) he then went and pushed the umpire... and might have clocked someone else on the way out as well... Nothing the fans like more than seeing a player dish out a bit of retribution...keeps everyone honest ha ha ha ..
Don Freo
Guest
Unlike Oliver to pile on the mayo. Melbourne will be putting him up for trade if he keeps this up.
Cat
Roar Guru
The Age updated story:
So he dives, he lies and he threatens to kill. Stand up guy /sarcasm.anon
Roar Pro
I have no problem with a player doing this (except if the crowd member is a child). There must be an element of self-policing which works both ways. Players calling out crowd members (except if a child), and the crowd correcting the behaviour of players. We saw crowds successfully use booing as a policing mechanism to correct Adam Goodes behaviour when he was sliding into players and staging for frees. The crowd was able to correct his behaviour when the umpires and the league itself were unwilling to do so.
Cat
Roar Guru
The Age:
But according to the AFL Website:Cat
Roar Guru
It wasn't the security guards going to the fans, it was the fans who kept calling the security guard over. You can tell by the motioning of the guard that the fans wanted him to do something about Oliver.
Duncan Smith
Guest
I agree. If crowd heckler is going to give it out, he can expect it back. As long as the player doesn't go full Cantona.
Kaks
Roar Guru
You take the dive, you do the time. Oliver giving lip service back to the supporters is the worst thing he could have done, now everyone will know they can get under his skin. I have no issue with it but for his own sake, he screwed up.
Cam
Guest
Would have liked to seem Clayton; instead of a bit of lip back, just do the simple finger at the chest and when he looks down just the little flick up to the chin. Probably would get in nore trouble but would be a good laugh.