'You think it's going to be hilarious': Collingwood pitch invader, Brayden Maynard's friend, cops lifetime ban after drunken act
The footy fan who ran onto the field during the fourth quarter of Sunday's thriller between Collingwood and North Melbourne, has been handed a lifetime ban.
Conor Clarke was notified around lunchtime on Tuesday that he will not be permitted to attend AFL or AFLW games until at least June 18, 2029, when the sanction can be reviewed.
Clarke is also expected to receive a fine of up to $11,000 from the venue.
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The AFL came down hard on the punter, who denied he tried to re-enter the arena after he was told to leave.
"You don't think you're going to get caught," Clarke told 9News Melbourne in an exclusive interview.
Conor Clarke, holding the drink, was the pitch invader, now banned for life from AFL and AFLW games. Instagram
"You think you're going to get away and it's going to be hilarious. Then you instantly regret your decision. If I had my time back I wouldn't do it again."
Clarke is the brother of young Western Bulldogs player Charlie Clarke and "best mate" of Collingwood defender Brayden Maynard.
"I would like to apologise to my best mate Brayden as well for ruining his 200th game," Clarke said.
"And obviously my brother as well. Neither of them have anything to do with my actions.
Charlie Clarke. Getty
"I chatted with Bruzz (Maynard) and he pretty much said 'you're an idiot and I hope you learn from this mistake,' which I will."
Clarke confirmed he was heavily intoxicated at the time of his indiscretion. He uploaded an Instagram story later that night alongside Maynard which showed the grass stains on his left knee, which happened when he was tackled by security near the boundary line.
The incident was captured on camera by a fan and uploaded to TikTok.
"I would like to apologise to North Melbourne and Collingwood and the AFL, plus Marvel Stadium," Clarke continued.
Conor Clarke also had a grass stain on his jeans. Instagram
"My actions on Sunday afternoon were inexcusable. I think alcohol got the better of me. The banter around the boys, sometimes you don't think in the moment when you really should."
Clarke was re-arrested when officers believed he was trying to re-enter the stadium. Intoxicated and lost, the 27-year-old claims he simply walked through the wrong door.
"Once they released me I was walking out through the tunnel," he said.
"I saw an exit sign which took me into a car park and waited for the elevator to go, having the full intention to leave the stadium.
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"The cops thought I was trying to get back in. I said 'boys, where do you think I'm going? I saw an exit sign and followed it.'
"They told me I was supposed to go straight so I told them they should have walked me out of the stadium. I was so lost. I had no idea where I was!
"So they re-arrested me, thinking I was trying to get back. I had no idea where I was going."
The sanction was issued by Tony Keane, who is the head of integrity and security at league headquarters.
