GWS star Tom Green has been reprimanded by the AFL for slamming the league’s ongoing crackdown on dangerous tackles.
The AFL found Green had engaged in excessive or unfair criticism when he claimed the match review officer and the tribunal were a “disgrace” and were “ruining the game” in a Giants-produced podcast.
Green made his comments before the club had successfully overturned Toby Bedford’s controversial three-match ban for a tackle on Richmond midfielder Tim Taranto.
The episode, published ahead of their 39-point win over Gold Coast in round 19, has since been deleted.
“The general uproar and consensus around the Toby Bedford decision is that it is a disgrace and I couldn’t agree more,” Green said on the In The Green Room podcast.
“I don’t know if the Tribunal has finally admitted that it is so outcome-based but what is a better look for the game?
“Here is the reality of it: (Port Adelaide’s) Zak Butters a couple of weeks ago deliberately punched me in the face, which again I don’t want to see him necessarily miss a game for that.
“But in terms of intent and a bad look for the game, Zak Butters punched me in the face and didn’t miss any games.”
Green doubled down on his criticism, saying he has become hesitant to tackle.
“I just think you are ruining the game. I honestly think the Tribunal with decisions like that is ruining the game,” the midfielder said.
“My feel is that they are protecting themselves from a lawsuit in 30 years with the concussion stuff, but it is not fair and it is ruining the game.
“It just doesn’t make sense to me and I don’t like the way this stuff is being adjudicated. I think the entire AFL and the consensus of the AFL-watching public is that it is a disgrace because that is what it is.
“I just don’t know what I can and can’t do, so I am not going to tackle anymore.”
Though receiving a formal reprimand, the 23-year-old will not be further punished.
“He unreservedly apologised for the comments and acknowledged poor judgment on his behalf, with his actions falling below the standards of conduct expected by the GWS Giants and the AFL,” the league said in a statement on Thursday.
“Green has been given a formal reprimand without further sanction.”
