AFL great Jimmy Bartel has called for a life ban for the crowd member who threw a bottle of soft drink at Dale Thomas during the match between Carlton and the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

Thomas was taking a free kick on the wing when the bottle was thrown. It didn’t hit him, but was aimed across his run-up and caused him to pull up short to avoid it.

SEE THE INCIDENT IN THE VIDEO PLAYER ABOVE

It is understood the crowd member was escorted out of the stadium, but speaking on Channel Seven, Bartel said a big ban had to be handed out.

“If you can give a lifetime ban, that person should receive it,” he said.

“That’s not an empty bottle. That could have done some serious damage.

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“Just because you pay your money to go to the football doesn’t mean you can act like a buffoon.”