Brisbane Lions star accused of disrespectful pre-game act

A Brisbane Lions star has been thrust into the spotlight and put on blast by footy fans over an eyebrow raising move on Saturday.

Brisbane Lions star Joe Daniher has been accused of a disrespectful act ahead of his 200th AFL game.

The 200cm key forward raised eyebrows ahead of Saturday night’s clash against Essendon with a peculiar move.

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Daniher was the main attraction as the Lions ran out onto the Gabba with the club celebrating the star player.

A guard of honour was in place for the team, but in an eyebrow raising move … Daniher elected to run around all the people lined up before he rejoined his teammates at the banner.

The moment was quickly pointed out by those watching on with a video of the moment going viral and leaving fans furious with the Lions star.

One wrote on X: “That’s a bit disrespectful for those who formed the guard. Whatever side of them he runs has no influence on his game. Very childish if he thinks otherwise.”

A second wrote: “Disrespectful to the volunteers.”

Despite the bizarre pre-game scenes, the Lions celebrated his milestone game with a 20-point win over the Bombers.

The win locks them into fifth spot on the ladder, guaranteeing them a home elimination final in the first week of September action.

Daniher had a mixed night in front of the Gabba faithful against his old side as he finished with one goal after butchering a simple shot which would have given him two goals.

Despite the win accuracy remains a major issue for the Lions, whose failure to convert several chances led to the scoreline of 11.20 (87) to 10.7 (67) being tighter than what Brisbane would have liked after leading by 47 points late in the third-quarter.

It wasn’t pretty but the Lions got it done. (Photo by Chris Hyde/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

Lions superstar Lachie Neale was at his mercurial best as he finished the contest with 40 disposals, including a goal.

For the fast-finishing Bombers, who kicked the game’s final five goals, their sixth loss in seven matches brought to a frustrating end what at one stage seemed a season destined to include finals football after they were still perched in the top four in Round 18.

The defeat also wasn’t the farewell to football retiring Bombers great Dyson Heppell was hoping for in his 253rd and final appearance.

Having been recalled to the Essendon line-up, 32-year-old Heppell – whose performance included 34 possessions ­- received a pleasant surprise before the game when he was greeted by his brother Jamin, who returned to Australia for the first time in two years to watch his sibling’s last dance of a career that started in 2011.

- with NCA Newswire

Originally published as Brisbane Lions star accused of disrespectful pre-game act