‘Hatgate’ still under investigation, Matt Crouch yet to learn fate

It’s been a week and a half since Adelaide Crow Matt Crouch allegedly knocked a hat off a Port Adelaide supporter’s head and investigations into the incident are continuing.

Police are continuing to investigate the Showdown cap tap that launched a fury of debate online between footy fans.

It’s been 10 days since authorities kicked off their inquiry into ‘Hatgate’ and Matt Crouch is yet to learn his fate.

It is understood an incident like this would not usually take this long to investigate and the matter is likely just awaiting an officer to make a determination on whether to pursue or close the case.

The possible delay in making the call may be due to the public attention the incident has received.

A Port Adelaide supporter accused Adelaide Crow Matt Crouch of knocking off his hat at the end of a drama-filled Showdown. Picture: 7NEWS

SA Police commenced an investigation after a Port Adelaide supporter accused Adelaide Crow Matt Crouch of knocking off his hat at the end of a drama-filled Showdown at Adelaide Oval on Saturday, August 17.

Footage obtained by 7News has done the rounds online, showing the alleged altercation occurred while Crouch and several teammates were leaving the field at the end of the game.

The 29-year-old midfielder is shown in the video approaching a Port Adelaide fan before allegedly knocking the supporter’s hat off his head.

The footy fan was reportedly yelling over the fence shortly before the incident and he was later captured complaining to Crows staff members.

The matter was reported to police that night, with authorities asking anyone with information about the incident to call Crime Stoppers.

The saga has attracted plenty of attention from punters on social media.

“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 occurred after Port Adelaide’s club mascot ‘Thunda’ was punched in the face moments before the showdown started. The attack on Thunda and the hat incident were unrelated.

The mascot was assaulted while taking photographs with fans on the boundary of the western stand.

The person inside the costume was left with a bloodied nose.