"Shocking threats": AFL star calls out fans after Ginnivan bird flip

AFL players are subjected to disgraceful threats and abuse, according to Lions star Dayne Zorko who has come to the defence of Jack Ginnivan after the Hawks forward was heavily criticised for flipping his middle finger at fans.

Ginnivan was caught in the act as he left the Adelaide Oval after his side’s 14-point defeat to the Crows on Friday night.

He will likely cop a $1000 fine from the AFL for the middle finger salute – which the 22-year-old described as “best coin spent” on his Instagram.

Ginnivan is not the first player to cop a fine from the AFL for making hand gestures this season, but Zorko suggests the penalty is unfair given what players co through.

“Jack’s not just randomly giving the finger,” he said on SENQ Breakfast.

“You can imagine the berating he would have been copping. He did the ‘I cant hear ya’ celebration earlier on in the game.

“It’s not great, I know people pay money to watch us play. We’re entertainment for people to watch and enjoy the spectacle (but) when you go near a fence or come off the ground, to hear some of the swearing, threats and profanity you receive.

“There’s so many kids in the crowds, it’s so unacceptable, the threats are shocking.

“I’ve been in Adelaide. Earlier this year they (the fans) went at Lachie Neale and a few of us turned around and we’re like ‘why do you have the right to say that? The game is over, why are you still going on like that’.

“We get fined for swearing and giving the bird. I can guarantee you at least 55 people would have been giving it to Jack as he walked off. Why him giving one back is an offence I’m not sure.”

The morning after Hawthorn's defeat Ginnivan was quizzed about his behaviour by a local reporter as he entered Adelaide airport.

The exchange was cringeworthy - and there were no winners, according to David King.

Reporter: “What was with the middle finger at Crows fans last night? Are you a sore loser?”

Ginnivan: “Do you think I’m going to speak to you?”

Reporter: “Haven’t you just? Why are you laughing?”

Ginnivan: “Because you’re embarrassing. Imagine trying to stop me at an airport.”

Reporter: “Are you embarrassing giving the Crows fans the middle finger, given that they’ve won and you’ve lost?”

The exchange between the pair was uncomfortable to watch, and while King acknowledged the reporter was goading Ginnivan, he said players have a responsibility to represent their clubs off the field.

“You get a couple of opportunities to represent your footy club,” King said on SEN Fireball.

“There is error on both sides of the coin.

“She was out of line the reporter but lets put that to the side. This is going to happen a lot to Jack Ginnivan. He’s got to handle it better.

“Stop, say ‘these are my thoughts, I’ll probably sanction’ and then move on.

“Sell yourself and your club well instead of half belittle the journalist. There were no winners they both looked average.

“He’s going to be targeted, and he’s got to find a way to get through that and he has to represent himself and his club well.”

Ginnivan will likely cop a $1000 fine from the AFL for the middle finger salute – “best coin spent” according to the 22-year-old’s Instagram.

The Hawks suffered a 14-point loss at the Adelaide Oval which leaves them 7th on the ladder with an MCG showdown with Collingwood next on the horizon.