The Australian Football League (AFL) has launched an investigation into West Coast Eagles player Harley Reid’s conduct during a match against the Brisbane Lions. Reid, 19, was caught on camera flipping the middle finger at a Lions fan who offered him a packet of tissues. The incident occurred during the Eagles’ loss to the Lions at the Gabba on Sunday.
Although Reid avoided a fine from the match review officer, the AFL has contacted the Eagles to seek context and additional information before deciding whether to take further action. The league’s guidelines prohibit “obscene gestures,” and Reid’s actions have sparked debate about player behavior and sportsmanship.
Eagles coach Andrew McQualter downplayed the incident, suggesting that Reid was simply “having a bit of fun.” However, not everyone shares McQualter’s view. Essendon great Matthew Lloyd has expressed concerns about Reid’s behavior, likening it to Jason Horne-Francis’s antics during his time at North Melbourne.
Horne-Francis was criticized for his attitude and behavior, which ultimately led to his departure from the Kangaroos. Lloyd worries that Reid may be following a similar path, suggesting that the teenager might be trying to “self-sabotage” his career at West Coast.
“He’s wasting far too much energy wanting to fight others, wrestle others, and playing with a real chip on his shoulder, which is not helping his footy,” Lloyd said on ‘Footy Classified.’ “I would now get him in if I was the coach Andrew McQualter and say ‘your footy’s not great, what you’re doing on weekends isn’t helping’ and give him a stern warning.”
Lloyd’s comments have sparked a heated debate about Reid’s behavior and the AFL’s approach to player discipline. As the investigation continues, one thing is clear: Harley Reid’s actions have put him under intense scrutiny, and his future at West Coast hangs in the balance.
*The Incident: A Timeline*
– Sunday: Harley Reid flips the middle finger at a Brisbane Lions fan during the Eagles’ loss at the Gabba.
– Monday: The AFL contacts the West Coast Eagles to seek context and additional information about the incident.
– Tuesday: Essendon great Matthew Lloyd expresses concerns about Reid’s behavior, likening it to Jason Horne-Francis’s antics during his time at North Melbourne.
*The Consequences: What’s Next for Harley Reid?*
The AFL’s investigation into Harley Reid’s conduct is ongoing, and the teenager’s future at West Coast hangs in the balance. If found guilty of breaching the league’s guidelines, Reid could face disciplinary action, including a fine or suspension.
As the situation unfolds, one thing is clear: Harley Reid’s actions have sparked a heated debate about player behavior and sportsmanship. The AFL’s response will be closely watched, and the consequences for Reid will be a key talking point in the world of Australian football.