AFL news 2024: Fan banned for life for throwing bottle at goal umpire

The AFL has slapped the fan who threw a bottle at a goal umpire with a lifetime ban from the sport. Plus the league provided an update on the injured official’s health.

The AFL has hit the fan who threw a bottle that struck a goal umpire during the Carlton and St Kilda Round 24 match a lifetime ban.

In the second quarter of the Saints’ last-gasp win over the Blues at Marvel Stadium on Sunday, goal umpire Steven Piperno was struck in the back of the head by a bottle thrown by the patron from behind the goals. Piperno required medical attention and was forced to leave the match.

Following a Victoria Police investigation the patron — previously a three-game Carlton member — has been charged with offences including, recklessly causing injury, discharge of a missile and unlawful assault.

He was bailed to appear at the Melbourne Magistrates Court on November 1.

The patron is no longer eligible to purchase a membership of any kind and is banned from all AFL and AFLW matches for life.

AFL general counsel Stephen Meade thanked fans in the area for helping to identify the perpetrator.

AFL umpire being hit by a bottle

Goal Umpire Steven Piperno is seen after being struck by a bottle of water in the Carlton vs. St Kilda game. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images.

“Our clear message is this — what we witnessed on Sunday is not acceptable and it never will be,” he said.

“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.

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

The moment a bottle of water collided with an AFL umpire.

Originally published as AFL news 2024: Fan banned for life for throwing bottle at goal umpire