'Sack them': AFL world outraged by strip club brawl 'disgrace'
Damning video footage has emerged of the brawl outside a Gold Coast strip club that's landed two Richmond stars in hot water and sparked outrage in the footy community.
Richmond duo Sydney Stack and Callum Coleman-Jones were arrested after being involved in a fight outside a strip club early Friday morning.
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The AFL is in the process of investigating their COVID-19 protocol breaches, with the Tigers facing a potentially massive $100,000 fine for the latest indiscretion centred around the club.
Queensland Police say two men were arrested after an altercation in Surfers Paradise about 3.30am.
"Both men sustained facial injuries as a result of the incident," a police statement said.
"The men were both issued with a Police Banning Notice, excluding them from Gold Coast Safe Night Precincts and a Penalty Infringement Notice (PIN) for Public Nuisance (Violent Behaviour).
"Further investigations are continuing into the matter."
An AFL spokesperson said the league was "aware of the matter and currently investigating".
CCTV taken from a Gold Coast kebab shop near the Hollywood Showgirls strip club in Surfers Paradise, shows a group of men involved in a physical altercation outside.
AFL fans have been left outraged by the latest controversy to hit the code, with many calling on Richmond to hand the players severe punishments.
They really have to sack them both surely?
— Grant Pollerd (@GrantLPollerd) September 4, 2020
Every presser now is a go hard zone - disgraceful behaviour that should see them sacked
— Brian Wilson (@ietsystems) September 4, 2020
Wow how bloody stupid are people, I barrack for Richmond and this is just ridiculous 100% both of those players should be getting delisted. What an absolute disgrace.
— matt zuecker (@_emjay_30) September 4, 2020
If their seasons arent over then its a complete. disgrace. We are stuck here in a lockdown and curfew and these guys get to live in luxury and continue to go about their lives pretty much as normal or as close to normal as possible. Richmond have been simply disgraceful this year
— Ben Milano (@bwm0609) September 4, 2020
Disgraceful. As a loyal Richmond supporter even I think they should both be sent home. No respect for the team or the AFL. An absolute disgrace.
— James (@Carson84James) September 4, 2020
Send them home. What a disgrace.
— Daniel Son (@fatbooty32) September 4, 2020
Two Richmond footballers caught fighting outside a Gold Coast strip club ..... don't think anyone is surprised! Going to be interesting too see how they spin this - there should be fines, suspensions and loss of premiership points. Total disgrace on the competition. #AFL #Tigers
— Coolhand (@DavidLuke4) September 4, 2020
Disgraceful, appalling and embarrassing. Immediate and strong action required from Richmond and the AFL. Today. No excuses. As a member I feel let down, I've had enough.
— Stu McLay (@Stu_McLay) September 4, 2020
In a club statement, Richmond said it reported the players' COVID-19 breach to the AFL.
"Richmond has become aware of a breach of AFL COVID-19 protocol by two of its players in the early hours of Friday morning," the club's statement said.
Tigers, AFL investigation incident
"The club immediately reported the breach of protocols to the AFL and is working with the league to investigate the matter.
"The players have been based inside the club's player hub on the Gold Coast having already undertaken a 14-day quarantine in July."
Stack and Coleman-Jones are not part of a seperate quarantine hub where AFL officials, and some players and family members, were undertaking the required 14-day quarantine period.
Both face the very real prospect of not playing again this season.
It's understood AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan and Richmond CEO Brendon Gale were involved in discussions on Friday with the club staring down the possibility of a $100,000 fine and suspensions for both players.
The Tigers were already handed a $25,000 suspended fine for Trent Cotchin's wife Brooke's day spa breach, with that figure plus a further $75,000 fine potentially added on for a second breach.
AFL players from multiple clubs are living under strict protocols in Queensland bubbles to complete the 2020 season.
The majority of them have been temporarily relocated from Victoria.
The incident comes just two days after the AFL announced the 2020 grand final will be held in Brisbane.
with AAP
