AFL players have to be better at respecting umpires says Geelong star Patrick Dangerfield

The fallout from Toby Greene’s season-ending suspension for bumping an umpire has included a big call from a leading player.

Toby Greene was suspended for intentional contact with umpire Matt Stevic.

Geelong star Patrick Dangerfield has declared all players need to “be better” in their respect for and treatment of umpires in the wake of Toby Greene’s season-ending ban.

Dangerfield, who is also the AFL Players‘ Association president, said pall players could “definitely improve” when it comes to on-field treatment of umpires,

Greater Western Sydney star Greene was given a three-match ban for intentional contact with experienced umpire Matt Stevic. The AFL tribunal determined the contact was an “aggressive, demonstrative and disrespectful” interaction.

The Giants opted not to appeal the sanction; however, the AFL may yet do so.

The AFL Umpires Association commended the league for protecting the “safety” of umpires by penalising Greene and seeking a six-week penalty.

“Australian football umpires at all levels love the game and commit themselves to the safety of the games participants through their umpiring and game management,” an umpires association statement said.

Toby Greene bumps into umpire Matt Stevic.

“It is critical that this commitment to safety is reciprocated and any behaviour by players, coaches or spectators that diminishes that sense of safety and security, no matter how minor, must be acted upon.

“Sending a clear message that it is not acceptable to disrespect the umpires’ role in the conduct of the game is critical to providing a safe environment for both players and umpires alike, particularly at the grassroots level.”

Dangerfield said it could be argued the three-match penalty, given Greene will miss finals, was “quite significant”.

But he agreed players had to do better in their treatment of umpires.

“We have to be mindful, and I‘ll keep coming back to this, that we have a role to play in the community,” Dangerfield told SEN.

“It’s difficult sometimes under the heat.

“I‘m as guilty as anyone around the offhand comment, but they’re (the umpires) such an important part of our game.

“We have to be better with how we treat them.”