MELBOURNE has been fined $2,000 by AFL headquarters, after match day runner Andrew Nichol interfered with a melee during half time of Sunday’s clash against the Tigers.
 
Nichol appeared to inadvertently stand on the foot of Jake King, and tugged on the guernsey of the Richmond forward during the half time fracas.
 
Football manager Josh Mahoney said that Nichol has since contacted Jake King to apologise, and understands that he should not have interfered with the melee.

“His sole purpose was to remove Jordie McKenzie from the wrestle, and separate the players. However, he did tug on the jumper of Jake King, which is a clear breach of the rules.

“Andrew has been in contact with Jake, apologised for the incident, and is well aware of his responsibilities.”

Mahoney said this was a good reminder to all match day staff.

“Although not intended, this is a good reminder for all runners and match day staff that, when a melee is occurring, they let the umpires and players resolve the issue.”

Under AFL regulations, a club runner is allowed to enter the field “for the sole purpose of conferring briefly with the players of his club (and) .. must then immediately leave the playing surface”, and may not interact with opposition players or the umpires at any time.