The AFL can confirm Victoria Police have arrested and charged a man for allegedly making a series of harassing phone calls to an AFL umpire.
AFL General Manager Football Operations Steve Hocking said the umpire is to be commended for their courage to call out this abuse and thanked Victoria Police for their action.
"The safety and welfare of everyone in the game; on the field, off the field, and online remains our priority and we thank Victoria Police for their work to identify and charge the offender," Hocking said.
"There is absolutely no excuse to threaten or abuse someone. It has no place at any level of our game or our society.
"This abuse affects our umpires, our players, and our staff. It is never OK and we’re not going to accept it."
The AFL and the AFL Umpires Association will continue to provide the umpire and their family with the appropriate support.
As this matter is now before the courts, the AFL will not be making further comment at this time.