The Infamous 1985 John Bourke Incident
A look back at one of the most notorious moments in footy history, when Collingwood's John Bourke assaulted an umpire during a 1985 reserves match
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The 1985 reserves match between Collingwood and Sydney is remembered for hosting one of the most notorious incidents in the history of Australian rules football. During the match, Collingwood player John Bourke engaged in a physical altercation where he pushed and kicked an umpire.[1][2][3]
In the wake of the on-field incident, team officials acted to defuse the situation. Mark McKeon, who was serving as the runner that day, was sent onto the field with the specific instruction to take Bourke off the ground.[1][2][3]
