An Essendon member has issued a public apology through the football club's website after unleashing verbal abuse from over the fence at Melbourne ruckman Max Gawn.
It was late in the third quarter of the clash between Essendon and Melbourne last Sunday when Gawn received a free kick, which gave him a shot at goal from the boundary line. As Gawn went to retrieve the ball from the boundary, the unnamed man lent over the fence and hurled abuse at him. Gawn pointed out the supporter to a security guard, who spoke to the man while Gawn kicked the goal. The Demons ruckman then gave the supporter a smile before celebrating with teammates. Etihad Stadium staff or police did not take any action against the member, but Essendon did release a statement saying that the member was on his first and final warning and risks losing his membership if he is to misbehave again. "Essendon Football Club is committed to maintaining a safe, enjoyable, inclusive and family-friendly match-day environment," the statement reads. "Our members are bound by the club's code of conduct, and the behaviour displayed by the member at yesterday's game is not only unacceptable but is not consistent with the club's values. "The member in question has formally apologised to Max Gawn and the club for his actions and is deeply remorseful for his behaviour. "The club has issued the member with a first and final warning, and if found to breach the member code of conduct again will face further disciplinary action and have his membership revoked." The statement from the football club was then followed by the apology issued by the member, who was sickened and embarrassed by his behaviour. "I am truly sorry and embarrassed by my behaviour. Watching that back on TV I was sickened by my outburst especially as there were women and children nearby," the member stated. "I now realise that Max Gawn was just doing his job playing football and my actions were terrible. "This has made me look at myself and realise never to behave like that again. I would like to apologise to Max Gawn for my behaviour and also to my family who have been embarrassed and ashamed of my behaviour. "I would also like to apologise to Essendon Football Club for my actions as it embarrasses and affects the club I love." An Etihad Stadium spokesperson has stated that the member left the venue on his own accord after being interviewed by police.
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