Willie Rioli apologises after allegedly sending a threatening message about Bailey Dale
Port Adelaide forward Willie Rioli has apologised for allegedly sending a threatening message about Western Bulldogs star Bailey Dale.
Rioli allegedly sent a message to another Bulldogs player, which contained a threat about Dale, following their fiery on-field confrontation on Saturday.
It’s understood the message relates to the Dogs’ upcoming match in Darwin against Gold Coast.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.“It’s believed Rioli said words to the effect of, ‘Dale, you better watch out in Darwin this given my connections there’,” 7NEWS chief AFL reporter Mitch Cleary said.
After the apology was issued on Monday, the league said it would take no further action.
It’s an unwelcome distraction for the Power ahead of next Saturday night’s Showdown against Adelaide.
“Port Adelaide is aware of a private message sent by Willie Rioli to a Western Bulldogs player following Saturday afternoon’s game between the two clubs,” the Power said in a statement on Monday evening.
“The matter has now been resolved privately after Willie contacted Bailey Dale from the Bulldogs.”
The league also put out a brief statement, saying it had “reminded both clubs to ensure any communications remain respectful”.
The pair exchanged words on the field before things escalated when Rioli struck Dale off the ball in the third quarter of the Dogs’ 90-point win.
Rioli was fined $1000 for the strike.
He made mention of the incident on his Instagram account on Monday, posting a screenshot of the altercation with the comments “someone once told me if ya can’t take a hit, don’t swing it”.
He also made another comment that suggested he was “punched” by Dale.
“They won’t show the first punch but they’ll show my slap on the chest,” he added.
Last month, Rioli was involved in a social media furore after he expressed hatred towards Hawthorn following their fiery clash in Gather Round.
He then took personal leave from the club after he was racially abused in the wake of the incident.
Rioli, who said his hatred of Hawthorn stemmed from what they did to his dad and brother, reached out to Hawks coach Sam Mitchell to say the comment was not about him or any of the current players.
- With AAP
