AFL launch investigation after Richmond coach Damien Hardwick caught up in altercation with fan

THE AFL Coaches’ Association says it’s a “sad day” when a coach can’t walk through the crowd during or after a game without being heckled. So what did the fan say to spark it all? FULL DETAILS REVEALED PLUS WATCH THE VIDEO

Damien Hardwick altercation with fan

DAMIEN Hardwick’s verbal altercation with an Adelaide fan has again raised questions about why coaches have to walk through crowds at AFL games.

The AFL will decide next week whether to take further action against the fan, who sledged Hardwick post-match after the Tigers’ loss.

WATCH THE ALTERCATION IN THE VIDEO PLAYER ABOVE

AFL boss Gillon McLachlan said on Friday his verbal attack was “reasonably mild”, but Hardwick was upset enough to stop and confront him then point him out to a security guard.

Witnesses told New Corp how Hardwick reacted strongly after a Crows member told the Tigers coach: “Not so funny now you are not at the MCG, hey buddy?”

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The middle-aged fan, who was sitting with two friends, was then spoken to by a police officer trailing Hardwick, who took the man’s driver’s license and membership card.

Philip Weir, 57, of Happy Valley, in Adelaide’s south, was sitting in front with his family and said the exchange was “innocent football banter”.

Damien Hardwick points his finger at an Adelaide fan during an altercation after the final siren on Thursday night.

AFL Coaches Association chief executive Mark Brayshaw on Friday said coaches deserved the right to walk through crowds without being “heckled”.

He revealed the AFLCA had worked with the AFL’s integrity team last year to ensure coaches were better protected by security guards at AFL games.

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“It’s a sad day when a coach can’t walk like that without being heckled. (Damien) showed restraint. The guy was foolish and out of line,” he said.

“From where it looked like the security guards did a bloody good job.

“Last year in conjunction with the AFL integrity team we investigated protecting coaches before, during and after every game and it looked like that’s exactly what the security guard did.

“Shame on the fella for heckling. I don’t know what was said but (Damien) showed restraint. I think he wanted to point the guy out, so he’s an experienced campaigner.”

Collingwood president Eddie McGuire has again asked why coaches have to walk through the crowd in Adelaide.

At the MCG and Etihad Stadium coaches go down the back of stands and have limited interaction with patrons.

“I have been saying this for the best part of 20-odd years — and particularly in Adelaide. You have to have access away from the crowd,” he told Fox Footy.

“There is an easy solution to this — don’t have people walking through the public area, simple as that.”

Damien Hardwick leaves Adelaide Oval with assistant coach Justin Leppitsch. Picture: Getty

The AFL said on Friday its integrity team would spend the weekend considering the exact nature of the fan’s comments.

“Security at the ground spoke to the person after the incident last night,” Keane said.

“They have got the person’s details. They will make a decision after the Easter break if there will be any further action from the AFL.

“There is no physical confrontation between the pair but there were words exchanged when the fan engaged Damien and he responded.

WATCH THE ALTERCATION IN THE VIDEO PLAYER ABOVE

“We just need to fully understand what was said and whether any further action will occur against the fan involved.”

AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan told 3AW on Friday coaches deserved to be able to walk through crowds unhindered.

“The initial report of what he said is reasonably mild but it’s a tense situation and our guys will follow that up,” he said.

Tempers also flared on the field in what was a fiery Grand Final rematch. Picture Sarah Reed

“(At Melbourne venues) coaches come down the back. There is a section where they come through the crowd but it’s less intimate than the Adelaide Oval.”

The AFL has worked hard to ensure security guards remain close to senior coaches as they walk through crowds.

In this case the security guard was helping shepherd the Richmond coaching staff past several fans already in the aisle.

When he saw the incident he immediately ensured Hardwick was not under any threat and attempted to get between the pair.

Hardwick then brushed his shoulder and pointed out the fan to ensure he could be later identified.

The AFL now ensures senior coaches must take the team bus back to their Adelaide hotel after Alastair Clarkson’s physical altercation with a Port Adelaide fan in 2015.