The AFL is likely to investigate an interaction between Richmond’s Marlion Pickett and a fan at Marvel Stadium that was quick to be called out.
In the third term of the Western Bulldogs’ eventual 55-point win, Pickett lingered near the boundary line with the ball out of play and was tapped on the back several times by a fan.
The Tigers wingman reacted quickly and turned to the fan before exchanging words. He also appeared to knock a drink out of the patron’s hand and looked to discuss the incident with footy boss Tim Livingstone at the final break.
WATCH THE INCIDENT BELOW
A fan leaned over the fence to make contact with Marlion Pickett in the third quarter.
— 7AFL (@7AFL) August 4, 2023
PSA: If you're in the crowd, please don't ever do this #AFLDogsTigers pic.twitter.com/jk7p3XVMdP
“You can’t be doing that at the footy,” Gerard Whateley noted in commentary for AFL Nation.
Security did intervene but the league has always retained player safety as a paramount initiative and with Pickett’s breached, further examination is expected by the league hierarchy.
The Tigers are yet to address the incident.
Pickett gathered 12 touches but was far from Richmond’s worse on what was a dirty night for the club.