Port Adelaide players Pete Ladhams and Dan Houston have been suspended for breaches of the AFL’s return to play protocols.

Ladhams has been suspended for the next three matches, while Houston will be unavailable for the next two matches.

The club has also been imposed with a $50,000 fine as a result of the breach, $25,000 of which is suspended.

Following Port Adelaide’s game against the Western Bulldogs on Monday 3 August, Ladhams invited Houston and friends to his home which is a breach of the AFL protocols.

Both players have been interviewed by the AFL.

Ladhams and Houston will be available to return to training tomorrow.

The players and the club take responsibility for the breach and accept the sanctions.

Port Adelaide GM of Football, Chris Davies, says the club is disappointed with the breaches.

“As a club, we respect the privilege we have to play and the conditions under which we must live in order to play,” said Davies.

“We have provided our players, coaches and staff with regular updates and education on the AFL return to play protocols, so to find ourselves in this position is disappointing.

“Port Adelaide has taken our responsibilities toward the global pandemic seriously since the outset, but ultimately everyone has a responsibility.

“Pete and Dan knew the rules and will now have to work hard to earn back the respect of their teammates and coaching staff.

“The AFL considered Pete’s breach to be worth extra on the basis that he was the instigator of the gathering.

“As a club, code and as a community we have to remain vigilant and disciplined against the spread of COVID-19. There is absolutely no room for complacency.”

Ladhams and Houston both expressed deep regret for their lack of judgement.

“I’m very embarrassed to put the club and my teammates in this position. There was no excuse for my complacency and I fully accept the sanction handed down by the AFL,” Ladhams said.

“The club has gone out of their way to brief us on all processes related to the AFL return to play protocols. I now have to work my backside off to win back the respect of my teammates.”

Houston was equally remorseful.

“Our entire club has worked so hard this season with all the challenges that have come our way and I feel like I have let the boys down with this breach,” Houston said.

“I take responsibility for my own actions so I fully accept the sanctions handed down by the AFL. I am disappointed but I will learn from my error in judgement.”