Port Adelaide cheer squad member scolded over use of light-up drum to distract Crows players

A Port Adelaide cheer squad member has been given a warning over a tactic to distract Crows players shooting for goal during Saturday’s Showdown.

A Port Adelaide cheer squad member has been reprimanded over the use of a light-up drum that was used in a bid to distract Crows players lining up for goal at Saturday night’s Showdown.

The drummer, who was positioned behind the goals, was spotted aiming a bright, blue beam from the drum at Crows players shooting for goal during the first half.

Adelaide Oval authorities said the man was approached by security at halftime and given a warning. He didn’t cause any further disruptions for the duration of the match.

A Port Adelaide cheer squad member has been reprimanded over the use of a light-up drum that was used to distract Crows players lining up for goal at Saturday night’s Showdown

Port Adelaide Cheer Squad president Ian Wilson said using lights to distract players on the field was “not on”.

“We wouldn’t want people to do that to our players so we shouldn’t do that to the opposition,” he said.

AFL cheer squads must apply for permission to use drums and other musical instruments from the AFL Ground Operations Department before each season.

The drum is an iconic part of the Port Adelaide Cheer Squad.

Light-up drums are only allowed to be used within 30 seconds after a team scores to prevent distraction.

Mr Wilson said the drummer may not have known the rules prior to the match but has since been made aware.

The Crows were convincing 47-point winners of the Showdown, with veteran forward Taylor Walker bagging seven goals in a Showdown Medal-winning performance.