During Essendon’s Round 18 match against the Brisbane Lions, Essendon players Angus Clarke and Sullivan Robey were charged with Careless Contact with an Umpire.
 
The charge against Angus Clarke was upheld by the AFL Tribunal on Tuesday night.  
 
As it’s Essendon’s fifth instance of Careless Contact with an Umpire in the 2026 AFL Season, the AFL has sanctioned the club $20,000. The sanction will be excluded from the club’s soft cap. 
 
This is Essendon’s fifth instance of the Reportable Offence of Careless Contact with an Umpire in the 2026 AFL Season, with previous offences occurring as follows: 

  1. Jye Caldwell – Round 6
  2. Zachary Merrett – Round 10
  3. Sullivan Robey – Round 13
  4. Sullivan Robey – Round 18

The AFL issued a memo to clubs on February 11, 2026 advising of amendments to AFL Regulations, including the introduction of AFL Regulation 18.2 (Sanction Also on Club - Careless Contact with Umpire). A further memo was sent to clubs on May 20, 2026 reinforcing the new AFL Regulation.
 
In the event there are any subsequent umpire contact incidents, potential fines will be at the AFL’s discretion.Â