The AFL will investigate an ugly incident at Marvel Stadium after Richmond utility Marlion Pickett was touched over the fence by a fan.
Just before three-quarter-time in Friday night’s match, Pickett was chasing Bulldogs superstar Marcus Bontempelli into the Tigers’ defensive 50 and he ran right towards the fence.
A fan in the crowd reached over to mockingly put a hand on Pickett’s shoulder, with the dual Richmond premiership player turning around and knocking a drink out of the supporter’s hand.
As soon as the siren sounded at three-quarter-time, Pickett made a beeline towards the same section of the crowd where the incident happened and briefly interacted with a security guard.
The 31-year-old had a long conversation with Richmond football boss Tim Livingstone before the final quarter began, which Pickett started sitting on the bench.
Interim Richmond coach Andrew McQualter said it was “disappointing” the incident happened.
“I don’t know full details, but it shouldn’t happen,” he said.
“We love fans in our game, and they’re so critical to our game, but our players should never, ever be touched when they’re on the football field.
“I think all Marlion was doing was alerting Tim (Livingstone) to the fact that something happened, and just getting security to deal with it and the AFL will deal with it now.”
Back in 2018, an Adelaide supporter was banned from attending games at the Adelaide Oval for the rest of that season after reaching over the fence and touching Bulldogs captain Easton Wood on the backside.
Pickett missed a game earlier in the season after he appeared in a Perth court on a dozen charges, including four counts of aggravated burglary, three of stealing and three of criminal damage.
He has played 76 games for Richmond, having famously made his AFL debut in their 2019 premiership triumph, just months after being recruited via the mid-season draft.
Squiggly
Roar Rookie
Hahaha what a ridiculous over reaction. He got touched on the back, big deal. Pickett turns it into a drama by tossing his drink
Dusty does Danger
Roar Rookie
Ah not from randoms during the game. Maybe from family post the game!
Non Serviam
Roar Rookie
Not really, plenty of shots from the 2019 gf of him physically making contact with supporters. If one like last night that was so minor gets outlawed then other Form of contact and celebration will aswell.
RT
Roar Rookie
I don't think he has. Silly comment though.
Kane
Roar Rookie
What a crock, what's good for the goose is good for the gander. Can't have it both ways.
Gary
Roar Rookie
A mutually agreed high-five is not comparable to an unsolicited slap on the back, esp when you are not expecting it. Try educating yourself on boundaries and consent for the greater good of the community.
Ando7369
Roar Rookie
Total rubbish
mrl
Roar Rookie
It’s a wonder the Richmonds player didn’t take dive for a free.
Kane
Roar Rookie
What an absolute crock of sh%t this over-reaction is. If banning the supporter for patting a player on the back is going to happen then the AFL must suspend any player high fiving members of the crowd after a goal or when they’re entering the race. If the supporter physically assaulted him then yes throw the book at him but all he did was pat him on the shoulder. If anything Pickett actually assaulted the supporter by whacking his hand
Non Serviam
Roar Rookie
Hopefully Pickett has never given a high five or jumped in the crowd.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
Obvious punishment; Doggies fan should cost his club 16, maybe 20 premiership points. Clubs like Freo are then still alive for finals.