Hawthorn Football club accepts full responsibility for a breach of AFL protocols which was handed down by the league today.

The breach occurred at Hawthorn’s Round 8 match against the Sydney Swans, and was a result of non-selected players entering into a public area of the stadium.

It did not result in any breach of government or quarantine protocols. 

Hawthorn President Jeff Kennett said the club was incredibly disappointed and apologised to the AFL, all clubs, Hawthorn members and the broader community.

“We are incredibly disappointed that we have breached the AFL protocols. These protocols have been clearly outlined to all clubs and players, and we make no excuse for our breach.

“We expect much more of our players and the club, and we take full responsibility for the breach in question and accept the sanction which has been handed down. 

“On behalf of the club, I would like to apologise to the AFL, all clubs, our Hawthorn members and the broader community for stepping outside of the protocols, putting the game at risk and bringing our club into disrepute.”

Hawthorn has accepted a $50,000 fine for the breach, $25,000 of which will be suspended.