Former footy player Warwick Capper has been banned from all AFL venues for five years after he allegedly made multiple ‘vile comments’ to catering staff during the 2024 Grand Final at the MCG.
The MCC confirmed to Channel 7 that the 62-year-old will also be banned from attending other events at the Melbourne venue, including cricket matches and concerts.
Reports from the outlet claim that the former Sydney and Brisbane goal-kicker had allegedly made lewd remarks about members of the catering staff and also ‘intimidated a female staff member’.
It is understood that he was removed from the corporate suite before being ejected from the venue entirely.
According to The Herald Sun, Capper had allegedly told a caterer at the MCG: ‘You’re a nice looking girl. You’d look good in my brothel.’ But his manager Tony Marks said Capper had not made that comment directly to the staff member.
Former AFL player Warwick Capper (pictured) has reportedly been banned for allegedly making vile comments to catering staff at the MCG
The 61-year-old made 124 AFL appearances for Sydney and Brisbane during his eight-year career
Capper was reportedly removed from the MCG because of his behaviour during the 2024 AFL Grand Final
‘He did make a light-hearted joke to somebody in the room,’ Marks said to the outlet.
‘But not with any ill will. He definitely didn’t walk up and say it directly to her.’
Marks added: ‘There’s a generation of people who didn’t grow up with Warwick but for 95 per cent of people in that room he was being the joking Warwick Capper, an entertainer.
‘He knows he needs to pull his socks up with some of his jokes, but under no circumstances would he want anyone to be offended. He was making a joke and it was overheard and offence was taken.’
Meanwhile, Capper and Marks also revealed that they have known about the ban for some time.
‘Somehow eight months to the day it’s in the press,’ they said.
‘No doubt there’s a few inappropriate things said in the caricature that is Warwick Capper and playing the class clown, but five years from every AFL venue, including no cricket, concerts… that stinks.’
During his footy career, the 61-year-old made 124 AFL appearances for both Sydney and Brisbane Bears, booting 388 goals.
Capper’s manager Tony told The Herald Sun that they had known about the ban for some time
His agent claimed that the alleged comments were not made directly to a staff member
The forward was crowned a four-time leading goal kicker for the Swans, and also picked up the same accolade for Brisbane in his first season at the club in 1988.
The reports come after Capper denied claims earlier this year that he had allegedly exposd himself during a performance at a sportsman’s night at the Altona Sports Club in Melbourne’s south west.
Capper was alleged to have simulated some inappropriate acts and made several bizarre statemetns on the stage during the evening.
‘I play too much into the ‘Warwick Capper’ persona to make people happy and have a laugh and I probably shouldn’t,’ he said following the event.
Some, including the venue’s owner, Dennis Ryan, had expressed concern over the former Sydney star’s health and wellbeing.
Capper is said to be undergoing tests to establish whehter he has suffered any damage after after having sustained several concussions during his career.
He has previously opened up on the toll that concussion symptoms have taken on his life following his footballing career.
Capper’s partner Lisa Arocca shared the moment that the couple realised the former AFL player might have an issue with his memory.
The forward was crowned a four-time leading goal kicker for the Swans, and also picked up the same accolade for Brisbane in his first season at the club in 1988
Capper has previously revealed that he has been suffering with issues relating to concussion
She explained that the pair were heading to visit their son Indianna on the Gold Coast, when the driver asked them where their son lived. Capper replied: ‘I can’t remember.’
‘This was bad because one thing Warwick had was a strong memory. He remembered everything,’ she told NewsCorp.
Capper adds that he forgets names and repeats himself but added: ‘I can still remember most of the games.
‘But sometimes I forget people’s names.’
He added that he now keeps notes in his phone so he doesn’t forget things.
