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Rioli in trouble? Strike floors Bulldog | 00:30
Port Adelaide star Willie Rioli is reportedly under investigation over an alleged text message sent to a Western Bulldogs player, with the message itself now revealed.
As first reported by Code Sports, the star forward sent a message to a Bulldogs player where he allegedly indirectly threatened Dogs defender Bailey Dale.
Rioli and Dale were involved in a heated moment during the Bulldogs’ 20.11 (131) to 5.11 (41) thrashing of the Power in Ballarat on Saturday.
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Rioli and Dale were involved in a heated moment during the Bulldogs’ 20.11 (131) to 5.11 (41) thrashing of the Power in Ballarat on Saturday.
Rioli got away with just a $1000 fine after he was reported for striking Dale off the ball during the match.
He is clear to play this weekend’s Showdown blockbuster against the Crows.
However, he may yet be facing further disciplinary action with the Western Bulldogs reported to have begun an investigation into the claims surrounding the alleged online message.
Willie Rioli takes a grab against the Bulldogs. Photo by Morgan Hancock/Getty Images.Source: Getty ImagesThe text, according to Nine’s Tom Morris, featured “words to the effect” of “I have lots of friends in NT, he should be careful about leaving the hotel in Darwin next week”.
Code Sports reports the club is expected to raise the issue with the AFL and Port Adelaide officials.
Rioli was clearly unhappy after the on-field incident and hit out with posts shared on Instagram.
Willie Rioli posted images on Instagram after the match.Source: Instagram
Willie Rioli posted images on Instagram after the match.Source: InstagramFox Footy commentator Ben Dixon said during the game Rioli was potentially going to face action from the AFL Match Review Officer.
“You can see (Rioli) trying to get away then makes contact with Bailey,” former Hawks sharpshooter Ben Dixon said.
“Willie was a little bit disappointed with himself when he came off the ground.
“The MRO will surely have a look at that one.”
It has been a turbulent season for Rioli after he took a brief leave of absence from the club for personal reasons last month. That move came after he posted a message on social media sharing his “hatred” for Hawthorn.
He wrote in the deleted post: “Play with fire, you’re gonna get burnt. My hatred for this club goes way past last year antics, what they did to my dad, and my brother, is why I can’t stand them. Not the players. #Cococlub.”
The social post was met with racist backlash from users of Instagram. The AFL Players Association came to his defence after the racist comments were shared.
