GWS fined $20,000 by AFL for Jason McCartney umpire confrontation

The AFL has come down hard on GWS football boss Jason McCartney after confronting umpires at halftime of his side’s Friday night loss.

Last day of the AFL Trade Period at Marvel Stadium. Greater Western Sydney list manager Jason McCartney talks with the media during the final day of the AFL Trade Period at Marvel Stadium. Picture: Michael Klein.

GWS Giants football boss Jason McCartney has been fined $20,000 for approaching the umpires during the half-time break of last Friday night’s match against the Western Bulldogs.

The AFL has confirmed McCartney breached Rule 15.2 (Approaches to Umpires) when he confronted the officials near the dressing rooms at Manuka Oval and launched an abusive tirade about the lopsided free kick count in the Dogs favour.

McCartney spoke to AFL football operations boss Steve Hocking on Saturday morning with a subsequent investigation finding him guilty of the breach.

Robert O’Gorman, Jacob Mollison and Justin Power were the umpires in charge of the game, which had a 12-4 free-kick count at the time of the exchange, in favour of the Dogs.

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Giants football boss Jason McCartney was received a significant penalty. Picture: Michael Klein

The umpires’ room is adjacent to the team’s dressing rooms in Canberra which is why McCartney was in close proximity during the half-time break.

Hocking said all AFL officials, coaches and players have an obligation to supporters to take a leadership role in setting the right example in demonstrating respect for umpires.

“We can never underestimate the impact of the actions of those at AFL level on all levels of the game,” Hocking said.

“Whether you are involved in Australian Football at the elite level or the community level, everyone has a responsibility to demonstrate respect towards umpires at all times.

“The rules are clear. Disrespect towards umpires has no place in our game.”

The AFL has been busy on the fines front after Collingwood were sanctioned the previous week for two players using their mobile phones during a match.