# Richmond Tigers Mad Monday celebration controversy > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/richmond-tigers-mad-monday-celebration-controversy > Updated: 2026-08-25T05:30:00.000Z. Sources: 9. Developments: 2. Controversy has emerged regarding Richmond Tigers players during their ‘Mad Monday’ end-of-season celebrations at The Garfield Hotel in Gippsland. Reports indicate that players were drinking and striking one another with belts, with midfielder Josh Smillie observed reacting to being struck by a teammate. The incident has drawn scrutiny toward player conduct and club culture. Specifically, footage of the celebrations has led to allegations that the behavior may mock an ongoing sexual assault investigation involving the Sydney Swans. Critics, including MP Dan Repacholi, have raised concerns over the footage, which shows players feigning shock while being spanked or struck with a belt. The Garfield Hotel has defended the players, stating the controversy has been ‘blown out of proportion’ and asserting that the players were ‘extremely respectful’ while unwinding in a privately booked venue. The hotel also criticized media members for waiting on-site to capture potential missteps. ## Claims - Several Richmond players were drinking and striking one another with belts during a celebration at the Garfield Hotel in Gippsland. (corroborated by 3 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-25: Richmond players involved in controversial Mad Monday celebration Richmond players were involved in a controversial ‘Mad Monday’ celebration at the Garfield Hotel in Gippsland, involving drinking and players striking one another with belts. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/richmond-players-involved-in-controversial-mad-monday-celebration ### 2026-08-24: Richmond Tigers face controversy over Mad Monday footage Richmond Tigers players face backlash after Mad Monday footage appeared to mock the ongoing Sydney Swans sexual assault investigation. 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/richmond-players-face-scrutiny-over-end-of-season-celebrations --- Cite as: Richmond Tigers Mad Monday celebration controversy. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/richmond-tigers-mad-monday-celebration-controversy