Sticks & stones breaks bones, names get you banned

West Coast Eaglesdefender Patrick McGinnity has been handed a one-week ban after he was charged by umpires with vilifying Melbourne Demons forward Ricky Petterd.

McGinninty was charged under an AFL code of conduct regarding respect to women after he made comments about Petterd’s mother as the teams left the Etihad Stadium at half-time on Sunday.

McGinnity has been suspended by the club for one match, will undergo counselling in relation to the AFL’s respect and responsibility policies and will be fined $2500.

“I deeply regret the words I used in a verbal altercation on Sunday,” McGinnity said.

“The heat of the moment is no excuse for over-stepping the mark and I sincerely apologise to the Melbourne player who my comments were directed at.”

Melbourne would make no comment under AFL laws but Petterd’s fater, Wayne Petterd, said McGinnity had crossed the line when he unleashed a string of ugly comments about his son’s mother.

“I’ve played a lot of footy but it seems to have got to the stage where people are saying stuff over and above,” Mr Petterd said.

“I just think this bloke has to learn to grow up. When you disrespect a player’s family, you have crossed the line.

“Ricky just said he was an idiot and that he didn’t think about what he was saying. But he was upset by it sure, this guy actually said it twice it wasn’t just in the heat of the moment.

“But I guess you just have to take it with a grain of salt. I’d tell him to grow a brain.”

Petterd said the sledging had caught his son off guard but said he was determined not to let it affect his game.

McGinnity issued a telephone apology to Petterd on Monday night.

One of the controlling umpires is said to have heard McGinnity’s comments and pursued the matter.

McGinnity’s comments were also head by his Eagles teammate Will Schofield who was interviewed.

Buford Balony says: No wonder it called GAYFL…bunch of girls.

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