‘Police Launch Investigation into Disturbing Sideline Incident Involving Fan and Port’s Aliir Aliir: Abusive Behaviour Will Not Be Tolerated’

Authorities are probing a sideline incident that escalated into a heated exchange between a Sydney Swans supporter and Port Adelaide’s Aliir Aliir on Sunday.

The altercation took place during the last quarter of Port’s narrow eight-point victory over the Swans when a sign was hurled at Aliir by an opposing fan.

The key defender had just pulled off an intercept mark near the goal before approaching the boundary where the Swans supporter was positioned.

As Aliir neared the front of the grandstand at the SCG, the fan leaned over the fence and reportedly tossed a sign in the direction of the Port Adelaide star.

Aliir, who previously played for the Swans before being traded to Port in 2020, confronted the supporter before returning to the game.

Nine’s chief football reporter Tom Morris has indicated that Swans officials have reached out to Port Adelaide regarding the incident and are presently engaged in “live discussions” with the venue to gather further details.

The Swans released a statement confirming the supporter was removed from the stadium and interviewed by venue staff and law enforcement.

“The club is currently trying to establish if the fan holds a membership,” stated the club’s announcement.

“The club has been in contact with Aliir, and we will keep educating our fans that any form of abusive conduct is unacceptable.

“The Sydney Swans wish to emphasise our zero-tolerance policy on all forms of abuse.”

Regarding the AFL’s stance on the matter, Morris noted: “I’ve spoken to the AFL, and they have indicated they will wait for a report to be secured in the next 24 hours before deciding on further action.”

The AFL has consistently maintained a tough position on the interactions between supporters and players during matches.

Just last year, the organisation imposed a lifetime ban on a fan who threw a bottle at a goal umpire, resulting in a serious head injury.

Similarly, a Collingwood supporter received a 12-month ban after grabbing West Coast’s Harvey Johnston.

While it is unlikely that the Swans fan will face a lifetime ban, the AFL is expected to take significant measures to deter any future occurrences of this nature.

Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley urged fans who engage in such disgraceful behaviour to refrain from attending games.

“Let the players do their job,” Hinkley remarked after the match.

“You come to admire them and enjoy the game.

“If you can’t do that, then please stay away.”