The Essendon member involved in an ugly boundary fence incident during the Bombers' AFL loss to Melbourne at Etihad Stadium has issued a formal apology.
The fan got in Max Gawn's face and hurled abuse at him as he went to retrieve the ball from the gutter after being awarded a free kick on Sunday.
The incident was deemed unacceptable and not consistent with the club's values.
The remorseful supporter was issued with a first and final warning by the Bombers and apologised to the club and Gawn for his behaviour.
"I am truly sorry and embarrassed by my behaviour," the unnamed member said via a club statement released on Monday.
"Watching that back on TV I was sickened by my outburst, especially as there were women and children nearby.
"I now realise that Max Gawn was just doing his job playing football and my actions were terrible.
"This has made me look at myself and realise never to behave like that again.
"I would like to apologise to Max Gawn for my behaviour and also to my family who have been embarrassed and ashamed of my behaviour."
If found to have breached the member code of conduct again he will face further disciplinary action and have his membership revoked.
Gawn pointed out the fan to security and smiled in his direction after he kicked a goal from a tight angle to continue a match-winning rally by the Demons.
The ruckman wasn't overly upset by the incident but felt it wasn't appropriate given the foul language used in the vicinity of small kids.
The member was spoken to by security but was not ejected from the stadium.
