Accused MCG brawlers banned from AFL matches for three years

Three youths allegedly involved in last week’s ugly post-siren brawl at the MCG have been banned from attending any AFL match for three years. It comes after the trio was this week charged over the violent melee.

The father of coward punch victim Patrick Cronin has welcomed sweeping AFL bans handed to three youths charged over an ugly post-siren brawl at the MCG.

The league today announced the trio, aged 19 to 21, will be subject to a three-year nationwide ban following the melee at last week’s AFL season opener when Richmond emerged 33-point winners over Carlton.

“The league, our venues and our clubs endeavour to create safe and welcoming environments. This type of behaviour will not be tolerated at our matches,” AFL General Counsel Andrew Dillon said in a statement.

“We want fans to continue to go to the footy and enjoy the experience and do so responsibly.”

EXPLOSIVE FOOTY BRAWL MARS SEASON OPENER

CHARGES LAID OVER WILD MCG BRAWL

An ugly brawl at the MCG which marred the AFL’s season-opening match between Carlton and Richmond.

Three men have been banned from attending any AFL match for three years.

Matt Cronin, whose son Patrick was killed by a coward punch in 2016, said there was no place for violence at the footy and “good on the AFL”.

He is attending tonight’s game between Richmond and Collingwood and said “one of the beauties of our game” was not having to worry about the massive violent clashes often seen at large soccer matches in Europe.

“We should all be safe enough to come to the footy,” Mr Cronin told the Herald Sun.

“If it takes some stern action from the AFL, I think, bring it on. There’s got to be consequences for violence.”

Police this week charged the men with affray and they are due to face a magistrate on July 4.

The 19-year-old man from Eltham also received a $322 fine for riotous behaviour.

Patrick Cronin’s parents, Robyn and Matt. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Patrick Cronin was killed by a coward punch.

Footage of the brawl showed up to six men involved, some throwing punches and falling between seats as shocked patrons looked on.

Mr Cronin said he hoped the men would learn from their mistakes.

“I don’t want to see in three years time they come back in and kill someone,” he said.

He also believes harsher fines should be handed to perpetrators of violence and questioned why someone could be fined thousands for running on the MCG, while someone involved in a brawl might pay just hundreds.

“Where is the parity in that,” Mr Cronin said. “One thing I’d love to see is a bigger fine system happen. Nothing talks like the hip pocket.”

If the men are found at a game over the next three years they will be evicted and possibly face a longer ban.

Patrick’s family launched the Pat Cronin Foundation last year, which is aimed at educating the community, raising awareness and conducting research into deaths from coward punches.

— With AAP