New details have emerged in the GWS Giants’ end of season party scandal as the AFL suspended and fined multiple players for their involvement.
Josh Fahey has been given a four-game suspension, while Jake Riccardi, Joe Fonti, Toby McMullin, Harvey Thomas and Cooper Hamilton were all banned for two matches.
Captain Toby Greene, Sam Taylor, Lachie Whitfield, Connor Idun, Lachie Keeffe and new Pie Harry Perryman were all fined $5000.
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AFL CEO Andrew Dillon said some of the skits were “completely unacceptable” and totally at odds with the codes values.
He revealed the investigation found Fahey dressed up as ex-NRL player Jarryd Hayne, who spent time in jail before having rape charges dropped, and Riccardi went as a taxi driver.
“In the course of a skit, Fahey simulated inappropriate acts on a sex doll,” Dillon said.
“Riccardi was not involved in that part of the skit.
“Toby McMullin and Cooper Hamilton simulated the September 11 attack on the World Trade Centre in costume related to that event.
“Harvey Thomas dressed as a particular professional sportsman and Joe Fonti as a girl acting inappropriately during their skit.
“Connor Idun and Lachie Whitfield enacted a scene from the Django Unchained, characterising slavery.”
Dillon also said the club will provide further education to the entire playing group.
“The behaviour and disrespect the players demonstrated at this event do not uphold any of the values of the AFL or the Giants and the behaviour is not acceptable in any setting at any time,” Dillon continued.
“There is nothing funny or clever about these actions and we are not as a code and competition prepared to accept these behaviours.
“We’re also very disappointed none of the leaders sanctioned sought to stop the behaviour.
“What transpired at the function is not acceptable – not to the other men, women or anyone who is part of the club. Not for all the people in our industry and not for the wider public.
“I want to apologise to the community and to everyone who shares our disappointment, my disappointment at this behaviour and to reinforce that respect is not an option, it is a non-negotiable and we will continue to work until everyone in our game understands that.”
Chief AFL reporter Mitch Cleary, who broke the initial story on Tuesday night, revealed on Thursday night that nudity formed part of the lewd skits that are now being investigated by licensing authorities.
“We can reveal the incident has escalated beyond the AFL. The New South Wales gambling and liquor body is now investigating the Wacky Wednesday behaviour,” Cleary said.
“It took place at the Woolly Bay Hotel in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.”
Liquor and Gaming NSW told 7NEWS it is investigating the incident, but won’t make any further comment.
“It’s also understood that nudity formed part of the lewd skits,” Cleary said.
The theme of the party was ‘troubled couples’ and CCTV vision has been crucial to the investigation.
“There is absolutely no excuse for the behaviour that took place and we’re very distressed by some of the incidents that occurred,” Giants CEO David Matthews said.
Giants captain Greene released a statement saying he was embarrassed by his actions.
“Firstly, I would like to apologise for the events that occurred. As a leader of the club and captain of the team, I am embarrassed that we are in this situation and that I failed to uphold my responsibilities as a leader to prevent it. I am disappointed I did not adequately process the situation, and intervene, in the moment,” he said.
“Some of the costumes and skits that took place are unbecoming and contrary to the values of our club and standards we expect of the playing group. I understand that as leaders we need to learn from this situation and ensure it never happens again.”
AFLW captain Rebecca Beeson said they will “deeply hurt” by the actions.
“It is important that we make it known that we were deeply hurt and angered when learning of the behaviour that occurred,” she said.
“Playing the game we love gives us a platform to speak to the community, fans and young people. As the AFLW playing group, we feel it is of great importance to stress that the behaviour that included references to gender-based violence is completely unacceptable under any circumstances.
“The values of respect, diversity and inclusion are as important off the field as they are on it. We look forward to the AFL playing group learning from this incident and as a club, we are united in ensuring everyone feels safe within our game.”
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