The AFL today announced that it had suspended Essendon runner Paul Dimattina for four matches over an incident involving Field Umpire Stefan Grun during Essendon Football Club’s round 12 game against Port Adelaide.
It also announced that Essendon would not be able to use a replacement runner for the duration of Dimattina’s four-match suspension.
Dimattina was ruled to be in breach of Regulation 13.12A during an incident at the 23 minute mark of the second quarter of the game at AAMI Stadium when field umpire Grun said he was verbally abused over a decision. The comment resulted in a free kick awarded against the runner.
The incident was the second breach of Regulation 13.12A involving Paul Dimattina. In 2006 he also received a $5000 sanction and was suspended for two matches. The round 12 incident was the fifth offence involving an Essendon runner since 2003.
AFL General Manager Football Operations
