Pitch invader who almost ruined the best AFL game all year is caught celebrating afterwards with footy star – after fans spot dead giveaway in group photo
- Magpies recorded a thrilling one-point win against North Melbourne
- The spectacle was halted when the pitch invader took the field at Marvel Stadium
- Was later celebrated after the match with a key Collingwood player
A pitch invader who disrupted Sunday’s thrilling Collingwood-North Melbourne AFL match was later celebrated with a Magpies star, sparking controversy on social media.
The incident took place at Marvel Stadium during Sunday’s thrilling match, where Collingwood staged a remarkable comeback to win 18.11 (119) to 19.4 (118) after trailing by 54 points early in the third quarter.
Film material revealed the pitch intruder was the brother of Western Bulldogs AFL player Charlie Clarke and was also seen in a group photo with Collingwood defender Brayden Maynard after the match.
Eagle-eyed football fans spotted grass stains on the intruder’s left knee in the photo. He also wore the same clothes as in the incident, while fans were also able to match his telltale tattoos on his left arm.
The intruder is said to be a friend of Maynard. The AFL is aware of the incident and is investigating.
Security tackles the pitch intruder to the ground during the exciting match between North Melbourne and Collingwood
The pitch invader, second from left, posed for a photo with Maynard after the game with the Marvel Stadium stains still on the leg of his jeans
Channel 7 footy reporter Tom Morris posted about the incident on social media platform ‘
“The maximum fine is $11,000 + the league can ban the patron, who is the brother of Dogs player Charlie Clarke and friends with Brayden Maynard.”
The AFL has yet to make official comment, but previous statements highlight their position on pitch invasions.
“Running onto the ground during a match is not only pointless, it is unsafe and unlawful,” AFL general counsel Stephen Meade said in April.
“If you choose to do it, you will not only face a significant fine, but you will also have to deal with the local authorities and ultimately lose the privilege of attending AFL matches.”
This incident follows a number of similar events this year. In Round 2, a fan invaded the pitch during the Crows versus Geelong match at Adelaide Oval, resulting in a lifetime ban from attending AFL and AFLW matches.
In addition, two more pitch intruders were apprehended by MCG security during the Easter Monday match between Geelong and Hawthorn in April.
After the match, Maynard paid tribute to a ‘good friend’ who had recently passed away, following his team’s thrilling win.
Maynard takes some time to hug his family before his 200th game at Marvel Stadium
The Collingwood star celebrates with fans after the thrilling win against the Kangaroos
Maynard, who played his 200th game, expressed his feelings during a post-match interview on Fox Footy.
“I really have no words for it,” the 27-year-old began.
“It probably wasn’t our day; they brought the pressure, they brought the heat, they had most of the match on their terms. To be able to fight back in Collingwood style, super proud of the boys.”
He acknowledged the importance of his milestone match but praised the team effort as they came home strong and secured the thrilling victory.
‘Yes, it was a milestone for myself, but that is a team effort. Team-first mentality. What a great victory, having a beer tonight, that’s for sure.’
Maynard, who wore a black armband, then shared the heartbreaking news about his friend.
‘I absolutely love this club, I love these boys. I’m getting a little emotional because it’s been a big few weeks for me. A good friend of mine died of psychological problems.’
He expressed his condolences to his friend’s family.
“So Deb, Amy and Bomber, if you’re watching this, my heart goes out to you and your entire family. Lots of love from the Collingwood family and the entire AFL community. We send you all our love and endless amounts of hugs every day.”
