A beer throwing spectator has been handed one of the toughest penalties for bad behaviour in AFL history.
Perth business leader, Noel Bridge, is unable to attend any AFL match, anywhere in the country for three years.
During the Elimination Final between West Coast and Essendon in Perth, Nic Naitanui and Zach Merrett were involved in a hair-pulling incident when Bridge threw his beer.
Bridge was sitting in Perth’s Stadium exclusive arear known as The Locker Room, when he launched the beer over the boundary, directed at Merret.
A relative of Bridge said his actions were done in the heat of the moment.
The three-year ban equals a that of one that was handed out to a streaker on Optus Stadium in May last year during one-day international cricket match.
He can attend AFL matches after September 2022.