"AFL Coach Death Threat: 15-Word ‘Joke’ Divides Fans, Sparks Five-Year Ban Debate"

Collingwood Fan Banned for Five Years Over Michael Voss "Death Threat" – Dark Humor or Serious Offense?
(Images: 1. Michael Voss coaching Carlton; 2. MCG antisocial hotline reference; 3. Social media reactions)

A Collingwood fan has been barred from all AFL games and events until 2031 after sending a 15-word message threatening Carlton coach Michael Voss via the MCG’s antisocial behavior hotline. The incident has sparked heated debate, with many supporters calling the punishment excessive for what they argue was a poorly executed joke.

The fan, whose identity remains undisclosed, submitted the message during Collingwood’s clash with Carlton on July 4: “I’d like to report 23 missing persons and pre-emptively report the murder of Michael Voss.” While the AFL deemed the language a direct threat, social media exploded with criticism, claiming the ban was a severe overreaction.

Backlash Over “Harsh” Penalty
Fans flooded forums arguing the remark parodied Carlton supporters’ recent frustration, including the vandalism of their own club’s facilities and protests demanding Voss’ dismissal. Others compared the joke to playful police social media posts after lopsided games. For instance, Victoria Police humorously “searched” for Sydney Swans players following their 2022 Grand Final loss, writing: “22 missing swans, last seen wearing red and white.”

“This was clearly a misguided attempt at satire,” wrote one supporter. “The AFL needs to reconsider—this penalty is outrageous.” Another added, “Five years for a bad joke? Willie Rioli got one week for an on-field threat. Where’s the consistency?”

(Image: Fan comments criticizing the AFL’s decision)

Support for the Ban
Not all agreed. Some applauded the league for taking threats seriously, especially amid rising concerns over coach and player safety. “Lucky it wasn’t a lifetime ban,” posted one user. Voss himself condemned the toxic side of fandom, stating, “Passion isn’t about anger or blame. We’ve got to rise above this.”

(Image: Michael Voss addressing players during a game)

The Bigger Picture
The controversy highlights the fine line between dark humor and harmful rhetoric in sports. While the AFL maintains a zero-tolerance policy, the fallout raises questions about proportionality. As Carlton’s losing streak extends, tensions between clubs and their fanbases show no signs of easing—leaving the league to balance safety with the spirited banter that defines footy culture.

What’s your take: Justified penalty or comedy gone wrong?

(Image: Victoria Police’s 2022 Grand Final joke post)