Port Adelaide midfielder Ollie Wines has been suspended for a match for breaching the AFL’s COVID-19 protocols.
Wines breached the league’s rules by conducting an interview with Channel Seven at his Adelaide home on Wednesday night. All interviews are meant to take place at either the club or online.
The midfielder will now miss Saturday night’s Showdown against rivals Adelaide but can take part in match simulation training on Saturday against the Crows.
“The protocols are very clear that players and officials should only have essential visitors attend their homes," AFL General Counsel Andrew Dillon said in a statement.
"We acknowledge Ollie’s remorsefulness for his mistake, but all players and match-day officials need to abide by the protocols in place at the time.”
Western Bulldogs champion Bob Murphy says Wines will be kicking himself over making “such a silly mistake”.
“It’s a severe penalty for something that probably won’t matter in the end,” Murphy told SEN’s Bob and Andy.
“It’s such a silly mistake and easily avoided.”
Essendon defender Brandon Zerk-Thatcher also breached the AFL’s COVID-19 protocols and will be unavailable for Sunday’s match against Sydney.
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