superstar has had his three-week suspension increased to six weeks after an appeals hearing.

The electric small forward was suspended for making intentional contact with umpire Matt Stevic in an act the AFL described as "aggressive, disrespectful and demonstrative".

He was initially banned for three games but the governing body labelled that "manifestly inadequate" and appealed the decision.

This afternoon the appeals tribunal agreed, doubling the penalty to conclude a hearing that lasted four hours.

Greene already missed the Giants' semi-final loss to Geelong, and will now miss the opening five games of next season.

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"As we said at the time, as a club we maintain that umpires are sacrosanct. We understand the important role they play in our game and they are to be respected at all times," GWS footballer manager Jason McCartney said on Thursday.

"Toby apologised for his actions. He is remorseful for the incident that occurred and understands the responsibility he has to umpires specifically, and the game more broadly.

"We accept the suspension and consider the matter finalised."

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Appeals chairman Murray Kellam had a strong message for footballers.

"Intentional contact with umpires will not be tolerated," he said when handing down the sentence.

"Umpies at all levels have to know they can carry out their vital function with confidence.

"Respect for umpires is at the heart of the game. This is a message that goes further than AFL players… a message to the Australian football community as a whole."

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