Michael Voss responds after serious threat under investigation by AFL integrity unit

Michael Voss has spoken about the heinous threat on his life made by a Carlton fan, saying the AFL industry shouldn’t tolerate ‘toxic’ sledges. Watch his response.

Carlton has been alerted to a “heinous and inappropriate” threat directed at under-siege coach Michael Voss in the wake of the club’s horror form slump.

The shocking message is understood to reference a brutal end to his life, but is not being treated as a credible death threat.

Speaking on Wednesday morning, Voss sternly condemned the threat, describing it part of football’s “dark side”.

Voss said he expects a “forthright response” from the AFL Integrity Unit, which is investigating the matter.

“I was dismissive at first, but there’s a flow-on effect, the first thing you always think about is the person beside you or the family member or the team,” Voss said.

“As a result of what I do, you appreciate there’s an element of scrutiny that comes with that, but then there’s a part that’s completely unacceptable.

Michael Voss on Friday night. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images.

“I think we can all agree that that part is unacceptable, and we don’t tolerate that as an industry.

“We leave that with the AFL Integrity Unit at the moment and I expect a pretty forthright response.”

Victoria Police confirmed the text message was sent during Carlton’s loss to Collingwood at the MCG.

They said there were no criminal offences detected in the message directed toward Voss.

“Police are aware of a SMS message sent to the AFL’s anti-social hotline at a sporting event on 5 July,” a statement read.

“The matter was investigated, and no criminality was identified.”

An MCC spokesperson confirmed the venue’s hotline service received the unsettling threat.

“We have an anti-social behaviour text service to report any incidents and it’s monitored in real-time on event days,” the spokesperson said.

“Relevant information is then passed onto MCC security and if required Victoria Police to manage accordingly.

“MCC security has made the AFL Integrity Unit aware of this matter.”

Michael Voss on the sidelines of the MCG. Picture: Mark Stewart

Voss, who has coached the Blues since 2022, has been under intense pressure following Carlton’s dramatic drop in form.

“It (that first football) sort of really inspired me to ultimately follow my dreams … then I have also seen the dark side of football as well, where we blame, we become victims,” Voss said.

“This environment where it’s quite toxic and we think by showing passion is about anger, it’s not about that all, when you see both, it’s what you choose for me.

“When I turn up … I look at that four-year-old and think about what families are and communities and how we bring people together and what we want our environment to be.

“ … There’s a way we need to behave, there’s a way we need to go about it, and when things are tough, you’ve got to show that support the right way, not the wrong way.

“If that’s a measure for some people on what it should look like, then I am sorry you don’t belong here.

“We’ll move on and make sure we bring a supporter base that will support in the good times and support in the bad.”

Blues coach Michael Voss is under pressure after a string of poor performances. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

The league’s integrity department is now investigating.

Carlton denounced the “vile language” used in the message and said it would not stand for any threats or intimidation against any of its staff or players including the senior coach.

A senior football figure confirmed Carlton and league officials were concerned by the contents of the message and said the inappropriate ­nature of it was being taken seriously.

The club has branded the message as horrific and “completely ­unacceptable”.

The AFL will consider extra security measures for Voss and any Carlton staff as necessary.

Police and the AFL are investigating a threat directed at Michael Voss. Picture: Michael Klein

The Blues targeted a top-four berth this year but have not met expectations, prompting potential change to the football departmentand its list at season’s end.

It comes a fortnight after the Blues’ headquarters was targeted by vandals who painted graffiti on the walls at Ikon Park last month.

Police have investigated the incident and assessed footage from multiple CCTV cameras in the area.

The club’s social media accounts have also been inundated with negative posts from fans amid the team’s poor form in recent weeks.

The Herald Sun has contacted the AFL about the Voss threat.

A champion midfielder, Voss is considered one of the greatest players in the game’s recent history, having led the Lions to three premierships in 2001-03.

Voss was hailed a “true blue hero” in August 2024 after stopping an armed car thief in a dramatic citizen’s arrest. He was waiting for his morning coffee at the Barton Milk Bar in Hawthorn when two alleged hoons crashed a Mercedes opposite the cafe.

He chased down one of the thieves, a 16-year-old boy armed with a knife, pinning him down until police arrived.

Voss’ coaching record at Carlton is 45 wins from 87 games.

The Blues take on reigning premier Brisbane Lions at Marvel Stadium on Thursday night.

Originally published as Michael Voss responds after serious threat under investigation by AFL integrity unit