AFL sanctions Geelong coach over clash with Brisbane players
The AFL has dished out its punishment for Chris Scott after the Geelong coach found himself at the centre of a fiery exchange with Brisbane players during last week's thrilling one-point win.
Scott exchanged words with Brisbane players at the first break in last Friday night's fixture, with Geelong players intervening to shepherd their coach away from the Lions huddle.
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Friday night's match exploded after Gary Rohan's off-the-ball strike on Lachie Neale that left Brisbane's Brownlow Medallist fuming.
Rohan on Monday accepted a two-match suspension for the incident, which preceded Scott's angry war of words with several Brisbane players at quarter time.
The Cats coach had to be dragged away by a number of his players after becoming involved in a slanging match with several Lions players that centred around the toughness of both teams.
AFL Media’s Damian Barrett claimed one of the Lions players told Scott they were "not as soft as you pricks in the grand final," referring to Geelong's defeat against Richmond in last season's decider.
Lions skipper Dayne Zorko later refuted any such suggestion that one of his teammates directed that sledge at Scott.
However, the AFL has taken a grim view of the ugly situation, deciding to slap Scott with a suspended $10,000 fine for his part in the controversy.
Scott and other coaches have been warned of serious consequences should a similar incident occur in the future.
The Cats coach has apologised and accepted the suspended fine, the AFL's general manager football operations Steve Hocking says.
"Everyone involved in Australian football has a responsibility to demonstrate respect towards each other at all times - and that includes coaches towards players and players towards coaches," Hocking said in a statement on Thursday.
"We can never underestimate the impact of the actions of coaches and players at AFL level on all levels of the game.
"I would like to make it clear that if a similar incident occurs there will be consequences."
Scott says Neale initiated argument
Post-game, Scott said the quarter-time flare-up was initiated when Neale made comments to him.
"I was walking onto the ground and Lachie Neale just said to me something, I couldn't understand exactly what he said, but something about Gary Rohan," Scott said.
"And I said I'm happy to have the conversation with you if you like, I have seen the vision, and I am comfortable with it."
Brisbane coach Chris Fagan said after the game that he found Scott's actions unacceptable.
“Personally I would not choose to speak to opposition players, I don’t think it is appropriate,” Fagan told 3AW.
“I don’t know how often it happens, pretty rarely I guess.
“I wasn’t there to see how it all started, but I think from a coaching perspective you just need to restrain yourself no matter how you feel at that moment.”
with AAP
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