The AFL gave Willie Rioli a ban on a match after the Port Adelaide star was unavailable for the selection for their confrontation against crows on Saturday evening.
The League had criticized some in the world of football this week, notably the great Nick Riewoldt of St Kilda, for having initially chosen not to punish the power striker for an alleged series of threats for other players.
On Monday, it appeared that Rioli had sent a threatening message to the star of the Bulldogs Bailey Dale after the port defeat by dogs this weekend. The next day, several other allegations surfaced, saying that the former 29 -year -old star of the West Coast of Eagles had threatened a geelong player last season and an Essendon player in the 2025 campaign.
The president of electricity, David Koch, said that the club was furious against Rioli on this subject, while Chris Davies, the director general of the club, did not tolerate threats but urged people not to comment without full knowledge of the situation.
In light of the reaction this week, Riie declared Thursday at the club that he was not mentally able to appear in the confrontation on Saturday evening at the Adelaide Oval.
The AFL subsequently published a declaration, saying that they suspended Rioli for a game and forcing it to participate in “education on a respectful / non -violent language and conduct”.
The AFL delivered Willie Rioli (photo) with a suspension of a match after being threatened with multiple threats against other AFL players
Rioli had also chosen to withdraw from the selection for the shock of this weekend derby against crows
Rioli had been found to have sent a threatening text message to Western Bulldogs Bailey Dale (left) after their victory this weekend against power
The 29 -year -old initially escaped any sanction from the AFL despite having sent an intimidating message to Bailey Dale to one of the teammates of the defenders of Western Bulldogs, the day after a lively match in Ballarat on Saturday.
But the AFL decided to probe more after the reports emerged two verbal threats which would have been made by Rioli to a geelong and an Essendon player.
Willie Rioli received a suspension of a match for her recent driving and previous incidents involving physical threats to other players.
“The AFL has sanctioned today the Port Adelaïde Willie Rioli player with a suspension of a match as part of his recent conduct and previous incidents that implied physical threats against other players,” said AFL.
“After the last weekend match against the western Bulldogs, Rioli sent a message to a Bulldogs teammate in Bailey Dale, threatening Dale.
“Dale was informed of the issue, but having received apologies and insurance from Rioli, he did not ask for new measures. After examining the question and after talking both with Adelaide Port and Western Bulldogs, the AFL determined in all circumstances not to take measures in what was considered an isolated incident at the time.
The AFL added that he had investigated two other incidents that were exhibited on Tuesday, alleging that Rioli had threatened a geelong player and an Essendon star.
“In the more recent days, and after the above determination, it was revealed that Rioli had previously threatened other players in two previous incidents.
AFL Advocate General Stephen Meade (illustrated on the left, with Andrew Dillon, Center and Brian Walsh, on the right) urged players, coaches and staff to be respected in both results
“The AFL has investigated these incidents and spoke to all the players and clubs involved in the last 24 hours and the AFL notes the cooperation of all the parties, including Rioli which has made admissions in relation to its conduct.
The league has added that Rioli will continue to receive well-being and support.
“ Given the cumulative number and the nature of the incidents involving Rioli and other players, the AFL has revised its previous decision, and it estimated that it is appropriate that: 1 – Rioli receives a suspension of a match and is unable to play in the nine match of the round of this weekend against the Adelaide crows; and 2 – Rioli participates as soon as possible in education on a respectful language and conduct not violent to prescribe by the AFL, “the declaration adds”.
Rioli and Port Football Chris Davies boss met AFL officials on Wednesday before the power training session.
But Rioli could come back realistically for the port match against Geelong on May 17, because he would have technically served the ban on an AFL match.
“We understand in a competitive and sometimes combative environment, there are exchanges between players on the field, but they must always be in the field of respect and sporting spirit and this applies to everyone,” said AFL Adl -General Stephen Meade.
After receiving additional information on other threats, we have investigated and determined that Rioli should not be eligible to play this week and that he undertakes a more in -depth education around a behavior that we do not want to see in a part of our game – on or off the field.
“Respect for each other, whether players, coaches or fans, is the cornerstone of our AFL community and it is a reminder for all those involved in treating themselves with respect.”
Rioli apologized in private to Dale on Monday and again publicly on Thursday.
“With all the stress of this week, I think it’s better for me and the team I take a break,” said Rioli via a port declaration.
But Rioli could come back realistically for the port match against Geelong on May 17, because he would have technically served the ban on an AFL match.
“I recognize again that my actions after the match last weekend against the Bulldogs were completely unacceptable.
“I say things from time to time on the football field in the fire when I would have liked not to do it and I continue to work with the club to manage this passer -by.
“It is not in my true nature or my character of saying these things and I apologize for any distress that I cause to individuals or their families.
“I would like to thank the Adelaide Football Club port and all my teammates and coaches for their support.”
On Wednesday, Port president David Koch said the club was “incredibly angry” about the situation.
“We talked about it quite severely in Willie and we said that it was simply not on,” Koch told 5AA radio.
“I have absolutely no excuse for Willie’s private message after the match.
“But you cannot mix comments on the ground and off scope or it will lead to places that people don’t want to go.”
After facing the media on Wednesday, in place of coach Ken Hinkley, Davies will speak again to journalists on Thursday evening in Alberton.
