‘Calls Intensify to Ban Dangerous Tactics After St Kilda’s Liam O’Connell Suffers Concussion’

Liam O’Connell of St Kilda endured a concussion and appeared distressed following a push into a marking contest on Saturday, sparking renewed demands for the removal of this dangerous tactic from the game.

During the clash at Marvel Stadium, which St Kilda claimed by a score of 20.15 (135) to 7.11 (53), Richmond’s Rhyan Mansell shoved O’Connell into a contest within the Tigers’ forward 50 late in the first quarter.

The push caused O’Connell to crash into Richmond’s Tom Lynch before he fell to the ground.

O’Connell managed to jog off the field in a dazed state and was subsequently substituted for Angus Hastie.

“That’s a dangerous act,” remarked Garry Lyon during the Fox Footy coverage.

“That needs to be outlawed. It has to be eradicated.”

Jason Dunstall voiced similar concerns.

“We must put a stop to that,” stated the Hawthorn great.

Even though O’Connell was pushed by Mansell, a free kick was awarded to Richmond’s Lynch as it was ruled he was held by St Kilda’s Anthony Caminiti.