AFL hands life ban to spectator who threw bottle at AFL goal umpire

The AFL has ensured the spectator who threw a bottle at an AFL goal umpire will never get the chance to do it again.

Goal umpire Steven Piperno was hit in the head by a water bottle. Picture: Fox Sports

The AFL has condemned a former Carlton member and handed him a lifetime ban from all AFL and AFLW matches for throwing a bottle that injured a goal umpire during a match.

Steven Piperno suffered a nasty cut to the head and required medical attention as a result of the blow and had to be replaced on the field after being struck during the second quarter of the round 24 clash between Carlton and St Kilda clash at Marvel Stadium last Sunday.

A 23-year-old Northcote man was interviewed by police and charged with recklessly causing injury, discharging a missile and unlawful assault. He is due to face court on November 1.

Absolutely unacceptable behaviour from a fan, throwing a water bottle at the goal umpire.

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On Friday, the AFL handed out the penalty, confirming the man previously held a three-game Carlton membership and would no longer be eligible to purchase an AFL membership of any kind and was not allowed to attend men’s or women’s matches.

“Our clear message is this – what we witnessed on Sunday is not acceptable and it never will be,” AFL general counsel Stephen Meade said.

Goal umpire Steven Piperno was struck in the head by a water bottle. Picture: Fox Sports

“A record 7.75 million fans attended matches this year. We have the best fans in the world, but if you choose to assault someone who is doing their job then you will lose the privilege of being able to attend the footy.

“On behalf of the AFL, thank you to the fans in the area who helped identify the bottle thrower and Victoria Police for acting so swiftly.

“We are glad Steven was not seriously hurt and we look forward to seeing him umpire in this year’s finals series.”

Originally published as AFL hands life ban to spectator who threw bottle at AFL goal umpire