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It was "nonsensical" for an employee to argue that he was abusive and threatening towards a member of the public because he was concerned about workplace safety, the Fair Work Commission has ruled.

The employee also failed to accept the seriousness of his actions, Deputy President Bryce Cross found, noting his only concessions or expressions of genuine remorse were "guarded and conditional".

In May this year, the Australian Football League sacked the elite umpires coach for breaching its code of conduct, after receiving a complaint from a runner who had attempted to use North Sydney Oval during a training session the month prior.

In unfair dismissal proceedings, the Commission heard the employee approached the runner and asked him to leave, as the oval was a "closed venue" at that time.

CCTV footage showed the employee continually blocking the man's path as he tried to resume running. Frustrations increased, and the runner grabbed the employee on the shoulder...