Overview

• Hardwick made the gesture after umpires ruled a throw-in on a boundary play in the final quarter of the Suns’ seven-point loss to GWS Giants.
• He issued an apology directly to AFL CEO Andrew Dillon via a brief social media message.
• The league imposed a $2000 penalty as part of its ongoing crackdown on sideline misconduct.
• Gold Coast Suns have asked Fox Footy to cover the cost of the fine.
• The sanction follows fines this season for players such as Bailey Smith and Harley Reid for similar gestures.