By Peter Ryan and Jake Niall
A Collingwood member who sent an inappropriate message directed at Carlton coach Michael Voss to the MCG’s anti-social behaviour hotline has been banned from the MCG and attending all AFL and AFLW matches for the next five years.
The AFL and Collingwood on Thursday afternoon announced the penalties for the perpetrator who sent a message to the venue’s anti-social behaviour hotline that referenced the “murder” of the Blues coach. According to a source, who had knowledge of the message’s contents, the text was: “I’d like to report 23 missing persons and pre-emptively report the murder of Michael Voss.”
Michael Voss was targeted via the MCG’s anti-social hotlineCredit: Getty Images
Victoria Police who work in liaison with security at major events determined that the unsettling message did not pose any threat to Voss however the MCG referred it to the AFL integrity unit who investigated the incident to determine the origin of the text.
“The anti-social hotline at venues is designed to ensure everyone attending the match can do so in a safe and inclusive manner, and the majority of times this service is used appropriately,” the head of AFL integrity and security Tony Keane said.
“We understand there is passion in the game however the text message in question sent to the MCG hotline on Friday crossed the line. Regardless of the intent, no coach, player, official, staff member or fan deserves to be threatened in such a way, and now that patron has lost the privilege of attending the footy.”
The Magpies have also revoked the fan’s membership for the next five years and expressed their disappointment in his action.
“Collingwood will not tolerate any threats to officials, supporters or individuals involved in our great game – such conduct is unacceptable and not representative of the Club or its values,” the club said in a statement.
Voss said on Wednesday that he expected “a forthright response” from the AFL integrity unit and made an impassioned plea to Blues fans, urging them to support the club through thick and thin.
“I have also seen the dark side of football as well, where we blame, we become victims,” Voss said.
“This environment where it’s quite toxic, and we think by showing passion is about anger, it’s not about that all, when you see both, it’s what you choose.
“[Football] is more about bringing people together and that is extremely important to me.
“There is a way we need to behave and there is a way we need to go about it. You’ve got to show that support the right way, not the wrong way. If that [message] is a measure for some people on what [football] should look like then I’m sorry you don’t belong here.”
The message was sent during the Blues’ loss to Collingwood at the MCG, a week after graffiti was sprayed on a wall at the club’s headquarters at Princes Park calling for the sacking of the board, football manager Brad Lloyd and list boss Nick Austin but the retention of Voss.
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