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AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan has backed Richmond's self-policing of a cheer squad member who has been banned after abusing an umpire.

AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan has hit back at criticism that the latest supporter ban is a case of political correctness gone mad.

A Richmond cheer squad member is serving a three-game club ban for abusing an umpire.

It comes amid growing concerns this year about crowd violence at AFL matches.

McLachlan, who is in China for Sunday's Port Adelaide-St Kilda match, said he only heard about the matter on Saturday morning.

He also stressed that the club, not the AFL, imposed the ban.

"There are lots of complaints about crowd behaviour coming from the public that initiated this one," he said.

"It was referred back to the club. As I understand it, the club cheer squad itself dealt with the issue internally.

"Everyone needs to be able to come to the football and feel it's an inclusive environment, but the concept of PC-ness and everything else is rubbish."

McLachlan preferred to spruik the merits of the Shanghai match, now in its third year.

But he spoke before news had broken of St Kilda's dramas, with players Ben Paton and Nick Hind making a rushed overnight trip as emergency back-ups after three teammates in Shanghai fell ill.

"The ground looks amazing, it's sold out," McLachlan said.

"The weather looks OK, so it'll be a good day tomorrow and hopefully a great game."