‘Hatgate’ investigation against Adelaide Crow Matt Crouch dropped

After a month-long police investigation, charges against the Crows’ star midfielder over the controversial incident with a spectator will not go ahead.

Adelaide Crows star Matt Crouch has escaped charges over the now-infamous Showdown cap tap.

South Australian Police Commissioner Grant Stevens on Tuesday confirmed an investigation into the matter had come to a close and charges against the 29-year-old midfielder would not be pursued.

Crouch allegedly knocked a hat off a Port Adelaide supporter’s head at the end of a drama-filled Showdown between the Crows and Power on Saturday, August 17 at Adelaide Oval.

Crouch leaving the field with teammates before the alleged incident. Picture: Sarah Reed/AFL Photos via Getty Images

The ‘Hatgate’ incident launched a fury of debate between footy fans online after footage showing the alleged altercation went viral.

In the vision obtained by 7News, Crouch is shown approaching a Port Adelaide fan before allegedly knocking the supporter’s hat off his head while leaving the field with teammates.

The fan was reportedly yelling over the fence shortly before the incident and was later captured making a complaint to Crows staff.

The incident was reported to police that night with authorities promptly kicking off an investigation into the matter, causing a stir with fans online.

“OMG police Investigation – Hat Attack. Surely our $$$$ can be spent on more important things,” one said on The Advertiser’s Facebook page.

“This Showdown just gets better and better. Childish to sum it all up from both sides.”

Another quipped, “Thoughts and prayers are with the hat and the hat’s family at this time”.

Hatgate wasn’t the only heated exchange during Showdown 56 with Port Adelaide’s mascot Thunda left with a bloodied nose before the first bounce after allegedly being punched by a minor.

The beloved mascot was attacked as they took pictures with fans on the boundary of the western stand at Adelaide Oval.

The person inside the Thunda costume was treated by medical staff at Adelaide Oval, later returning to the ground after being cleared of any potential concussion.