The AFLUA strongly condemns the act of the person who threw a bottle at a Goal Umpire during the Round 24 Carlton vs St Kilda game at Marvel Stadium. The bottle struck Goal Umpire Steve Piperno, causing a gash to the back his head. Piperno was replaced by the emergency goal umpire and took no further part in the game.
AFLUA CEO, Rob Kerr noted that this was the second time in two years that a Goal Umpire has been struck by an object thrown over the fence at Marvel Stadium. “It would be unfortunate if we got to the stage where the behind the goal nets were left up during the game but if this trend continues, we will inevitably arrive at that point. In the meantime, we understand the AFL and police are doing all they can to identify the offender, and we trust he will feel the full force of the law.”