The AFL is investigating an incident in which Richmond coach Damien Hardwick was allegedly involved in an exchange of words with Williamstown players during a heated VFL clash on Saturday.
Key points:
- The incident was alleged to have taken place following a melee in the match
- The AFL says it is seeking “further information”
- Richmond claims it considers the matter closed
According to a News Corp report, Hardwick allegedly called Williamstown players “weak f***ing pricks” at quarter time in the contest at Punt Road Oval.
Footage from the match showed Williamstown player Darby Henderson being pushed into the fence by Richmond’s Rhyan Mansell.
Henderson retaliated, appearing to strike Mansell with an elbow to the back from behind, knocking the AFL-listed Tiger to the ground.
The contact left Mansell clutching at his back and a melee ensued before he took his free kick.
Hardwick, who was watching from the sidelines, got involved at the break in play.
“We are seeking some further information from Richmond in relation to an exchange between their senior coach and a Williamstown player during Saturday’s VFL match,” an AFL spokesperson said in a statement on Monday afternoon.
Earlier in the day, Richmond believed the matter would be taken no further.
“The club acknowledges there was an exchange of words following an incident in the first quarter which led to a Williamstown player being reported for rough conduct,” the Tigers said in a club statement.
“As far as the club is concerned, that is the end of the matter.”
The incident occurred less than 24 hours after Richmond’s AFL finals hopes took a hit in the bizarre draw with Fremantle on Friday night.
The Tigers sit ninth, with just one win in the last five rounds.
AAP
Source: AFL NEWS ABC
