Brisbane midfielder Lachie Neale is bracing for a $1000 sanction after he was filmed raising his middle finger at Geelong fans during last weekend’s qualifying final. The Lions veteran, who suffered a season-ending calf injury in the 38-point defeat, now faces fresh scrutiny off the field.
The incident occurred as Neale made his way down the race at half-time, with footage showing him flipping the bird towards a Cats supporter.
According to SEN and Channel 9’s Tom Morris, the 31-year-old “was on the receiving end of some shocking abuse from a fan”, prompting the gesture that has since gone viral.
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AFL crackdown on gestures
The league has issued the Lions a “please explain” and is expected to fine Neale, with the punishment in line with earlier penalties handed to Harley Reid, Jack Ginnivan and Bailey Smith for similar conduct this year.
The AFL has made a point of stamping out the behaviour, particularly amid increased scrutiny around crowd-player interactions.
Neale’s setback compounds Brisbane’s woes as they prepare for Saturday night’s elimination semi-final against the Gold Coast Suns without their Brownlow medallist. The Lions will instead back in ruck duo Oscar McInerney and Darcy Fort, while Bruce Reville has been recalled to bolster the midfield.
Teammate Josh Dunkley said the group was confident they could cope without Neale. “The last couple of weeks, we’ve managed to fill the void that he left in the team,” Dunkley told AAP. “I’m sure whoever it is will be ready to stand up and take that role.”