RICHMOND defender Dylan Grimes has received "death threats" and "suicide suggestions" following a controversial free kick in Saturday night's Dreamtime game against Essendon.
>> WATCH THE INCIDENT IN THE PLAYER ABOVE
In a series of Instagram posts, the Virgin Australia AFL All Australian Tiger said he had been the target of "ridiculous" abuse from Bombers supporters.
Essendon was denied a goal to Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti late in the second quarter when the umpire penalised teammate Jake Stringer for a push in the back against Grimes, which supporters slammed as a dive.
Grimes was fined $1000 for staging in last year's semi-final against Brisbane.
The goal would have put the Bombers 11 points up on the cusp of half-time, but the Tigers went on to win by 12 points at TIO Stadium.
Tigers teammate Nick Vlastuin said he was also on the receiving end of social media abuse after winning a 50m penalty in the fourth quarter.
Threats of violence directed towards our players and their families on social media are completely unacceptable.
— Richmond FC ???? (@Richmond_FC) August 23, 2020
No player from any Club should be subject to such vile attacks.
Online abuse has no place in our game, or our society.
The incident comes after Greater Western Sydney veteran Callan Ward was also subject to death threats from Bombers fans after winning a free kick late in their round 10 clash.