No charges laid but SANFL warns fans to behave or else

THE SANFL has not laid any charges over bad crowd behaviour at the Anzac Day grand final rematch between Sturt and Port Adelaide at Unley Oval.

Sturt’s Aidan Riley gets his kick away under pressure from Port’s Josh Simpson.

THE SANFL has not laid any charges over bad crowd behaviour at the Anzac Day grand final rematch between Sturt and Port Adelaide at Unley Oval.

The league has closed its investigation into some unruly incidents and was unable to identify any offenders.

It has however warned spectators to behave at future games or suffer the consequences.

SANFL chief executive Jake Parkinson said the league will increase awareness about security presence and call on supporters to report anti-social behaviour at SANFL grounds as a result of complaints from the Anzac Day match, which was won by the Double Blues.

Complaints to SANFL from fans at the game about offensive and abusive comments towards players, most notably Power-listed midfielder Sam Powell-Pepper, and supporters were investigated by the SANFL’s integrity officer Scott Irrgang.

But despite a thorough investigation, including formal statements taken from each witness and viewing of match day footage, no individual offenders were identifiable.

Parkinson however said the complaints were disturbing and that the league would now take steps to eliminate this type of threatening behaviour.

“We were deeply disappointed with the offensive behaviour of a small minority among a crowd of almost 8,000, which marred an otherwise terrific day of football on Anzac Day,” Parkinson said.

“We embrace our supporters who are passionate about their SANFL team and we will always encourage the traditional rivalry between clubs upon which the strength of our competition is built.

“However, we make it clear that we have zero tolerance for offensive and anti-social behaviour towards players and others which is at complete odds with the values and spirit of our competition.”