Toby Greene has been suspended for three matches by the AFL Tribunal.

Greene was charged by the Match Review Officer with making intentional contact with an umpire at three-quarter time of Saturday’s one-point win over the Swans.

Greene said: “I acknowledge contact was made with umpire Stevic as I walked to the three-quarter time huddle during Saturday’s game and I regret this accidental contact occured. I apologise again to Matt for this accident, as I did earlier today during the Tribunal hearing. It was not my intention to make contact with Matt while we were engaged in discussion at the time.

“I have complete appreciation for the role umpires play in our game and understand how critically important it is that they are respected at all times.

“I accept the determination of the Tribunal and will now look to support my teammates in any way I can ahead of this week’s game.”

GIANTS General Manager Football, Jason McCartney confirmed the club would not appeal the Tribunal’s sanction: “We accept the Tribunal’s decision and we won’t be appealing the sanction handed down today.

“As a club we maintain that umpires are sacrosanct and we understand the importance of the role they play in our game. They are to be respected at all times by everyone, across all levels of the game.

“We know Toby also feels this way and is very remorseful for what we believe was an avoidable accident.

“We thank Umpire Stevic for the context he provided today and will now look to put the matter behind us as we look forward to Friday night’s game against Geelong.”