DARREN MONCRIEFF
Wednesday 20 June 2012
WHATEVER it was that Will Minson said about Danyle Pearce's mother, it was enough for his own club to ban him for a week.
The Western Bulldogs late yesterday imposed a one-match ban on Minson following offensive comments directed at Port Adelaide's Pearce in the final quarter of their match at Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
Minson was referred to the match review panel after an umpire overheard his comments to Pearce about his mother.
Pearce was noticeably affected by the comments, believed to be of a sexual nature.
The AFL on Monday said that Port, via Pearce, had not made the official complaint but that the issue had been brought to the attention by the MRP, the referral of which can only come from the umpires and designated off-field AFL officials.
In a prepared statement, Pearce commended the Bulldogs' actions.
"I accept the course of action the Western Bulldogs have taken," Pearce said.
"The important thing for me is that Will understands that this is not a minor matter that can be brushed under the carpet. It is a very big thing and insulting a player's family is just not acceptable.
"He needs to know there is a line that you shouldn't even contemplate crossing.
"Will has apologised, but I don't need that to move on. His actions from here will mean far more than words."
Collingwood utility, Sharrod Wellingham, on radio yesterday said Minson should have shown restraint.
"You go out there and you want to play hard footy and do whatever you can to win. But I think it's just got to come down to a mutual respect between players," Wellingham told SEN on Tuesday.
"There's going to be some sledging and there's going to be some stuff said that maybe you don't really want to say.
"It can become quite blurry those lines, but he's (Minson) experienced it in the past and I think that he probably should have learned his lesson. It's just got to come down to respect between players."
Minson, at a press conference yesterday, said that he now recognised his comments were offensive and that he accepted the penalty.
"I sincerely apologise for my comments and regret they have caused hurt and offence to Danyle, his family and the Port Adelaide Football Club," Minson said.
"I realise there are no excuses for my behaviour and I accept the sanction given to me by the club."
AboriginalFootball@westnet.com.au
Last Modified on 20/06/2012 12:48