By Kiel Egging.
The VFL has come down hard on Casey Scorpions and Coburg Tigers by handing both clubs an $800 fine for their involvement in Saturday afternoon's massive melee at three-quarter time.
The melee, which was described by Coburg's star inclusion Ben Cousins as "a good old-fashioned dust-up" during his Monday morning segment on Nova 100 FM has infuriated league bosses, due to the near-inclusion of crowd involvement and the fact the melee was broadcast on ABC TV.
The incident took place after a player from each side was caught in a tussle on the half-forward flank, with the fight escalating after the three-quarter time siren.
AFL Victoria Football Operations Manager John Hook said the behaviour from both clubs was completely unacceptable.
"We take a dim view of any melees, and certainly when its broadcast on TV we don't think it projects the image that we want for the league," Hook said.
Hook stated that a number of players were close to receiving individual fines.
"There are a few players that can count themselves very lucky that they weren't fined," Hook said.
"If something like this occurs again, the players can expect to find themselves fineable along with their clubs. If Coburg or Casey in particular find themselves in another melee, their fines will be far more substantial."
Casey General Manager Brian Woodman said his team have been addressed over the incident and are now looking forward to their match against Box Hill in two weeks.
"It (the melee) is something that occurs when you donâÂÂt want it to occur, but in the heat of battle sometimes things get a little out of hand," he said.
"We've handled it internally and reminded our players where they need to be focusing, and that melees are unacceptable."
Both teams have the chance to cool off from the incident with a bye this weekend.
Last Modified on 06/05/2009 17:11