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Essendon Fan
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Essendon captain James Hird has been sent a 'please explain' from the AFL regarding comments he made on umpires and, in particular, field umpire Scott McLaren on The Footy Show on Wednesday night.
AFL Football Operations Manager Adrian Anderson said he had written to Hird and Essendon advising of a breach of Section 16.1 of the AFL Regulations, regarding comment on umpires.
A sanction of up to $5000 applies for a first offence under Regulation 16.1.
Mr Anderson said Hird and the club had been asked to provide any written submissions they wished to make on the sanction to be applied by 5pm next Tuesday, April 13.
At a special media conference at AFL House, Anderson stressed that Hird is facing a serious charge.
“The commission has the power to suspend the player,” Anderson said.
“Thousands of kids and football followers around the country who respect, admire, adulate people like James Hird – that’s why comments like this can be so very damaging.”
Umpire McLaren told the media conference that he had been shocked by Hird's comments.
“I was surprised and disappointed by the comments he made on The Footy Show last night regarding my performance as an AFL umpire. This has deeply affected my family and friends.”
Meanwhile Essendon is endeavouring to arrange a meeting next week between Hird, McLaren and Director Of Umpiring Jeff Gieschen to discuss Hird's comments.
"Obviously I was frustrated by some of the umpiring decisions made last weekend," Hird said.
"The Footy Show may not have been the appropriate forum to make comment. I look forward to sitting down with Scott next week to work through this issue.
"Last night's comments were in no way meant to question the integrity or character of Scott McLaren."
Essendon chief executive Peter Jackson said the club was fully aware there was certain protocol to be followed in these situations.
"We look forward to bringing this matter to an end to the satisfaction of all parties as soon as possible," Jackson said.
Hird faces sanctions under Rule 2.9 of the AFL Player Rules which states:
"The Commission may at any time and on such conditions as it thinks fit cancel or suspend the registration of a player where it is of the opinion that such Player has conducted himself in a manner unbecoming of an AFL player or likely to prejudice the reputation or interests of the AFL or to bring the game of football into disrepute. (afl.com.au)
Hmm,
I couldnt see them taking it that far...but you never bloody know!
The Essendon fans around the country support ya Hirdy.
AFL Football Operations Manager Adrian Anderson said he had written to Hird and Essendon advising of a breach of Section 16.1 of the AFL Regulations, regarding comment on umpires.
A sanction of up to $5000 applies for a first offence under Regulation 16.1.
Mr Anderson said Hird and the club had been asked to provide any written submissions they wished to make on the sanction to be applied by 5pm next Tuesday, April 13.
At a special media conference at AFL House, Anderson stressed that Hird is facing a serious charge.
“The commission has the power to suspend the player,” Anderson said.
“Thousands of kids and football followers around the country who respect, admire, adulate people like James Hird – that’s why comments like this can be so very damaging.”
Umpire McLaren told the media conference that he had been shocked by Hird's comments.
“I was surprised and disappointed by the comments he made on The Footy Show last night regarding my performance as an AFL umpire. This has deeply affected my family and friends.”
Meanwhile Essendon is endeavouring to arrange a meeting next week between Hird, McLaren and Director Of Umpiring Jeff Gieschen to discuss Hird's comments.
"Obviously I was frustrated by some of the umpiring decisions made last weekend," Hird said.
"The Footy Show may not have been the appropriate forum to make comment. I look forward to sitting down with Scott next week to work through this issue.
"Last night's comments were in no way meant to question the integrity or character of Scott McLaren."
Essendon chief executive Peter Jackson said the club was fully aware there was certain protocol to be followed in these situations.
"We look forward to bringing this matter to an end to the satisfaction of all parties as soon as possible," Jackson said.
Hird faces sanctions under Rule 2.9 of the AFL Player Rules which states:
"The Commission may at any time and on such conditions as it thinks fit cancel or suspend the registration of a player where it is of the opinion that such Player has conducted himself in a manner unbecoming of an AFL player or likely to prejudice the reputation or interests of the AFL or to bring the game of football into disrepute. (afl.com.au)
Hmm,
I couldnt see them taking it that far...but you never bloody know!
The Essendon fans around the country support ya Hirdy.
