Full Breakdown
Fans Throw Bottles at Umpires After AFL Preliminary Final
By Drooid · · How we work
Incident Overview
During the Saturday night preliminary final at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Brisbane defeated Hawthorn by nine points. As umpires left the field, dozens of spectators threw bottles and cans onto the arena floor. Police reported that five fans were assaulted, two men were punched while exiting, and a fifth fan struck his head on a wall after an alleged push. Ten people were evicted, including two for “behaviour incidents” and one for entering without a ticket. A 40-year-old from Croydon was fined $418 for throwing an object. Police noted the crowd numbered nearly 98,000.
Official Statements & Responses
Premier Ben Carroll condemned the projectile-throwing, calling it “not the Victorian way” and saying those responsible should be made an example. The AFL Umpires Association (AFLUA) issued a statement that the actions were “completely unacceptable” and praised the umpires for maintaining composure under pressure.
Comments from Former Umpire and Coaches
Former grand-final umpire Ray Chamberlain, who was commentating for the ABC, urged fans who throw objects not to return to the game, emphasizing that passion must not cross the line. Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell acknowledged the emotional intensity of the loss but urged supporters not to throw anything onto the field. Ex-premier and Hawks president Jeff Kennett said he did not notice any bottles being thrown as he left the stadium and expressed no objection to Mitchell’s remarks.
Fan Association Reaction
He said the spectacle shocked him and underscored that such collective behaviour is rare in Australian sport.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I think these people should be made an example of. This could have had catastrophic injuries if one of those bottles or cans hit an umpire on the head,” — Felgate. Premier Ben Carroll
- “I love the passion. It is the best game in the world with 100,000 at the MCG doing its thing, but if you are going to throw stuff, don’t come back,” — Ray Chamberlain
- “The AFLUA condemns, in the strongest terms, the actions of those supporters who threw bottles and other objects at the umpires as they left the MCG following last night’s preliminary final,” — Rob Kerr