AFL reprimands Tom Green for tribunal criticism on GWS podcast

The AFL has handed down a punishment to a superstar midfielder for comments he made on a now-deleted podcast.

GWS star Tom Green has been reprimanded by the AFL for comments he made on a podcast. Picture: Robert Cianflone / Getty Images

GWS star Tom Green has been reprimanded by the AFL and issued a “please explain” after he criticised the match review process and tribunal in a club podcast last week.

In the now-deleted episode of “In the Green Room”, which the Giants midfielder co-hosts weekly with club social media boss Jacob Gaynor, Green said the league’s disciplinary system was a “disgrace” and “ruining the game”.

His comments came after teammate Toby Bedford’s three-match suspension for a tackle which concussed Richmond’s Tim Taranto was upheld at the tribunal.

Bedford successfully had his ban overturned at the AFL appeals board two days later.

GWS superstar Tom Green has been reprimanded by the AFL and sent a ‘please explain’ notice over his comments on a deleted club podcast episode. Picture: Robert Cianflone / Getty Images

AFL spokesman Jay Allen said Green had breached AFL rule 19.18 (c) which relates to “excessive, unfair or unreasonable public comment and criticism” of the league.

“During the podcast, in which the comments have since been removed, Green made a number of comments in relation to the AFL MRO and AFL tribunal process and members,” a statement issued on Thursday said.

“Green was sent a please explain and he unreservedly apologised for the comments and acknowledged poor judgment on his behalf, with his actions falling below the standards of conduct expected by the GWS Giants and the AFL.

“Green has been given a formal reprimand without further sanction.”

The important on-baller will be free to face Melbourne at the MCG on Saturday night as the Giants push to cement themselves in the top eight.

GWS was contacted for comment.

Originally published as AFL reprimands Tom Green for tribunal criticism on GWS podcast