13 Players Penalised Following On-Field Melee Triggered by Steven May’s Spoil in Melbourne Demons and Gold Coast Suns Showdown

A total of 13 players faced fines following a series of incidents during the Gold Coast Suns’ match against Melbourne on Saturday, primarily stemming from an all-in melee in the third quarter.

The game was rife with tense moments, but the melee proved to be the most contentious.

Touk Miller sent the ball inside 50 for the Suns, which lingered in the air while Ben Ainsworth prepared to take a mark. Steve May attempted to disrupt the play but ended up striking Ainsworth in the head.

This led to players from both teams clashing before Ainsworth retrieved the ball and went on to score.

The match’s most disputed moment unfolded when Touk Miller delivered a kick inside 50.

The ball lingered in the air as Ainsworth prepared to take the mark, but May’s attempt to spoil resulted in him hitting Ainsworth in the head.

Johnathan Brown did not see May’s action as “malicious”.

“At the end of the day, he had every right to go for it. Yes, he was late, and yes, a free kick should have been paid, but I’m not sure he warranted that treatment, Steven May,” he remarked on Fox Footy.

Following this spoil attempt, players from both teams surged forward aggressively.

The players who were fined $1,000 included Ben King, John Noble, Jed Walter, Bailey Humphrey, Sam Collins, Sam Clohesy, May, and Christian Salem.

Clayton Oliver received a fine of $1,875 for a second offence, while Noah Anderson and Jack Viney were each fined $3,125 for their third offences, making it a total of 12 players affected.

In addition, Oliver was fined $1,000 for an obscene gesture in the third quarter when he directed his middle finger at the crowd.

Additionally, Viney received a $1,000 fine for careless contact with an umpire.

Furthermore, Pickett was fined $3,125 for striking Anderson during the first quarter.