Posted: 2024-08-30 05:10:15

The AFL has banned a 23-year-old man for life from all AFL and AFLW matches for allegedly throwing a water bottle at a goal umpire. 

The incident took place during the second quarter of a Carlton vs St Kilda game at Marvel Stadium on Sunday. 

Goal umpire Steven Piperno was left bloodied after being struck by a bottle allegedly thrown by a Carlton supporter. 

He had to be subbed off for the rest of the match and receive medical attention. 

AFL umpire in high vis t-shirt with a blood-covered hand.

AFL umpire Steven Piperno with a bloodied hand after he was struck by a water bottle. (Fox Sport)

Two days later police charged a man from Northcote with recklessly causing injury, discharge of a missile and unlawful assault. 

On Friday, the AFL announced it had given the man a lifetime ban from both men's and women's footy matches. 

The AFL said the man was a three-game Carlton member but would no longer be eligible to purchase a membership.

AFL umpire in high vis t-shirt on an AFL ground.

Mr Piperno after being struck by a water bottle last weekend. (AAP: Morgan Hancock)

"Our clear message is this — what we witnessed on Sunday is not acceptable and it never will be," AFL general counsel Stephen Meade said. 

"We have the best fans in the world, but if you choose to assault someone who is doing their job then you will lose the privilege of being able to attend the footy.

"On behalf of the AFL, thank you to the fans in the area who helped identify the bottle thrower and Victoria Police for acting so swiftly.

"We are glad Steven was not seriously hurt and we look forward to seeing him umpire in this year's finals series."

The 23-year-old is scheduled to face Melbourne Magistrates' Court on November 1. 

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