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Fans slam the AFL for failing to punish star over threatening text
May 6, 2025
Willie Rioli apologised for threatening Bailey Dale
Pair had clashed on the field during Dogs' big win
Footy fans have expressed significant shock about the lack of sanctions given to Port Adelaide's Willie Rioli for sending a threatening message to a Western Bulldogs player about teammate Bailey Dale.
Rioli went unpunished after an investigation by the AFL after he sent an intimidating text about Dale to one of his teammates after the team's big win over the Power in Ballarat.
Rioli allegedly wrote that he has mates in Darwin and Dale should be wary of leaving his hotel room when his team play in the Northern Territory capital this Saturday.
The footy star has since apologised to Dale for sending the text - and the AFL, and both clubs, feel that no further action should be taken on the matter.
The AFL letting Rioli off with nothing more than a warning has prompted a chorus of criticism from footy fans who have taken issue with the league's confusing disciplinary standards.
'You get weeks these days for pushing an opponent, or dressing up for Mad Monday but nothing for sending threatening messages to another player, what a circus,' posted one X user.
'So let me get this straight, threaten someone and it's ok but give someone the finger and you get fined? Make it make sense,' replied another.
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