Rory Sloane Stands Up for Bailey Smith Amid Unfolding Fan Incident Controversy

Adelaide legend Rory Sloane has taken aim at the AFL for handing Bailey Smith a fine after the Geelong player gestured disrespectfully at a Crows supporter who allegedly directed abuse at Patrick Dangerfield during Thursday night’s match.

Smith received a $1000 penalty for his action, which he defended as an effort to support his captain.

Sloane disclosed that he was aware of what the heckler had said to Dangerfield but deemed it “unrepeatable” for broadcast.

“The AFL has made a mistake here,” Sloane stated on Nine’s Sunday Footy Show.

“If I were in Bailey Smith’s shoes, I’d be telling the AFL, ‘I appreciate the fine, but I’ll happily decline’.

“We often talk about setting standards, and while Bailey Smith acknowledged he could have handled it better, the real issue is the behaviour of the fans.”

“What that supporter said was incredibly pointed, personal, and offensive.

“We don’t want this kind of behaviour in our sport, nor should we set that example for fans across the nation.”

Later in the program, Tony Jones brought up the incident with AFL Chief Andrew Dillon.

“I don’t want one fool ruining the experience for everyone else. We have a history of addressing isolated incidents of poor behaviour and taking action,” Dillon mentioned.

While Smith did apologise for his actions, he affirmed he would defend his captain again if necessary.

“It’s not a great look – I’m sorry for the kids who might see that kind of behaviour,” he told 9News Adelaide.

“But it’s just part of the sport… you give it out, you’ve got to be prepared to take it back. I’ve dealt with a lot worse than just a couple of rude gestures from a Crows supporter.

“We were clearly in hostile territory, but there’s a limit to what you can tolerate when personal insults are directed at Dangerfield.

“If I had the chance to do it again… it’s not an ideal representation of the game, and I get that; I’ll need to be better in the future.

“However, we must stand up for Dangerfield. He has a reputation to maintain, and he probably can’t respond like that. I’m in a different situation; I’m not a dad and don’t have three kids to be a role model for.

“It’s just part of the game. You throw insults at us, and sometimes we’ll give it back. I enjoy it. It’s not personal from my side.”

Dangerfield, who began his career with the Crows before requesting a trade to the Cats in 2015, scored four goals in the match, while the Adelaide crowd consistently jeered him throughout the night.