New safety measures for Optus Stadium screens

Protective covering will now be used in front of the LED signage around the perimeter fence at Optus Stadium after two Geelong players were injured when they made contact with the signage.

But the AFL admitted the stadium has differences with its signage compared to other venues.

The current signage will be covered by temporary protective covering until a permanent solution is installed later this season.

Geelong players Mark Blicavs and Zach Tuohy suffered hand cuts on the weekend during their game against West Coast.

Tuohy needed three stitches in his right hand, and Blicavs 14 in total to his left hand and right elbow.

“What occurred at Optus Stadium on the weekend was unacceptable and fell short of the professional standards our game demands,” AFL Players’ Association General Manager Brett Murphy said.

“The football field is the players’ workplace, and players have a right to a workplace which does not pose an unreasonable risk to their health and safety.”

AFL General Manager Football Operations Steven Hocking AFL thanked the stadium for addressing the issue quickly.

Investigations revealed the injuries sustained could be linked to characteristics of the newer technology only used at Optus Stadium.

The run-off area at Optus Stadium is set to 5.5 metres which is more than the AFL guidelines requests.