The AFL harshly criticized Magpie Steele Sidebottom for violating the league’s COVID-19 protocols on Saturday, banning him from Collingwood’s next 4 games.
Sidebottom’s suspension took into account his weekend driving, which ended when police were transported home Sunday morning in a serious drunken state.
FULL STATEMENT AFL explains Sidebottom and Dunn Ban
His compatriot Pie Lynden Dunn earned a one-game suspension for his involvement.
AFL. com. au reported Wednesday morning that Sidebottom faces a four-game suspension and Dunn will most likely get just one.
In a statement, Collingwood said he would not appeal the suspensions, but for the club and Sidebottom his sanction was “excessive, inconsistent with recent protocol violations and questionable. “
Collingwood will face Essendon at the MCG on Friday night, before likely making adjustments to the fit in the next few rounds.
“It’s to his credit that Steele thought about what’s best for the code and for Collingwood,” Magpies football chief Geoff Walsh said of a potential call.
“First of all, he admits that he made bad choices, but he also feels that it is right to settle for punishment, a punishment that is more severe than most consider fair, a distraction that can simply create difficulties for the festival and his peers.
“That’s user Steele.
“As a club, we have every option, but our sadness over Steele’s suspension is no greater than our sadness that two veteran players have violated return-to-play protocols.
“Everyone knows that Steele and Lynden started with the most productive intention: to comfort an injured teammate, but our players have been well-informed about the protocols and we take our day-to-day social work seriously. “
The two men’s violations included sharing an Uber in combination, which is allowed under COVID-19 protocols, from Jeremy Howe’s home to Dunn’s on Saturday night.
AFL. com. au understands that the original plan for Sidebottom and Dunn to be picked up from Howe’s house, however, that plan has changed.
Sidebottom then traveled to the home of former Magpies footballer and now member Daniel Wells in Williamstown.
This is an additional violation, as Wells is not part of Collingwood’s authorized staff who might be in contact with the players’ organization.
BREAKING THE RULES Sidebottom, Dunn in COVID water after having a drink with Howe
They themselves reported the violations on Sunday to club officials, who then notified the AFL. Sidebottom and Dunn went Monday morning.
The AFL general suggests that Andrew Dillon said after the ban was announced that the last five violations of return-to-play protocols have served as a “reminder” for others to abide by the rules.
Lachie Hunter was also involved in an alleged twist of automotive fate during the AFL’s previous protocols.
He won a four-game suspension for his actions and was officially charged by Victoria Police this week.
“The protocols have obviously been communicated, reviewed and agreed to by every player in the league,” Dillon said.
“The sanctions imposed in recent weeks have been a wake-up call for all clubs, so we are disappointed to have to deal with those failures.
“We acknowledge the regret of both players and their cooperation with the investigation and acknowledge that they have reported the violations to the club so that any threat can be mitigated.
“Now more than ever, we will all need to continue to be vigilant and respect the fact that protocols are in place to keep players, their families, clubs, staff and the wider network safe. “