Overview

• Hardwick was captured on AFL360 raising his middle finger at umpires during the final moments of Sunday’s match against GWS Giants in protest of a boundary throw-in call.
• He apologized to AFL chief Andrew Dillon in a tweet after the footage aired on Monday night.
• The AFL imposed a $2000 fine on Hardwick on Tuesday in response to his conduct.
• The Gold Coast Suns have asked Fox Footy to cover the cost of Hardwick’s fine.
• The ruling continues the league’s strict enforcement of sportsmanship rules after similar fines against Bailey Smith, Harley Reid and Nick Watson this season.