In a bizarre turn of events that has left the Australian Football League community divided, a Brisbane Lions player has been sanctioned and fined for making contact with the protective goggles of Collingwood Magpies' Mason Cox.
The incident, which occurred during a heated moment in the match, was reviewed by the AFL Tribunal. They deemed the action as intentional conduct with low impact, resulting in a financial penalty for the Lions star.
Mason Cox, the American-born Collingwood ruckman, has worn protective goggles since suffering a serious eye injury in 2018 that required multiple surgeries. The specialized eyewear has become his trademark on the field, but also presents a unique target for opposition players.
The Tribunal's decision noted that while the contact wasn't deemed severe enough to warrant suspension, it set an important precedent regarding player safety and the protection of medical equipment. "Targeting of protective medical devices cannot be tolerated in our game," the statement read.
Brisbane Lions officials have accepted the fine without appeal, acknowledging that players must show greater awareness around opponents wearing protective gear. The sanctioned player has reportedly reached out to Cox personally to apologize for the incident.
This isn't the first time Cox's goggles have been involved in on-field controversies. The unique equipment has sparked numerous debates about sportsmanship and the limits of competitive aggression in Australia's most physical football code.
Fans and commentators remain split on the severity of the punishment, with some arguing the fine was excessive for what they perceive as minor contact, while others believe stronger sanctions are needed to protect players with medical requirements.
