‘Trouble Aboard’: Richmond’s Tom Lynch Reported for Throwing Punch

Richmond veteran Tom Lynch has been cited for a striking incident involving Adelaide defender Jordon Butts.

Lynch, visibly frustrated, let his emotions boil over during the second quarter of the match against the Crows.

The incident unfolded clearly in front of the nearby umpire, who awarded a free kick and reported Lynch for the strike.

The premiership player did not register a disposal before the half-time break, with Richmond trailing by 41 points, but he had contrived to give away an astonishing five free kicks.

This incident took place after a marking contest where Lynch and Butts contested the ball; the defender managed a clear spoil but had an arm hanging over Lynch’s shoulder.

“Lynch is in a lot of trouble right now,” remarked Western Bulldogs legend Brad Johnson upon witnessing the live incident for Fox Footy.

Butts fell to the ground, clutching his head, but soon returned to his feet. Teammates from the Crows quickly rallied to defend their mate, igniting a brawl.

Lynch quickly found himself giving away another free kick for high contact, throwing a push at Adelaide’s Mark Keane in the process.

Richmond icon Matthew Richardson was highly critical of Lynch, stating on 3AW that “he’s lost the plot”.

“He has completely lost his cool. You need to pull him off,” Richardson urged.

“Lynch believes he hasn’t received any free kicks for holding, but you can’t act like that,” he added.

As the quarter progressed, Lynch was seen shouting at an umpire earlier in the term.

“I’m not just going to stand here and take this,” umpire Jeff Dalgleish responded to Lynch at that moment.

Considering the intentional nature of the incident, which occurred behind play, it’s likely that Lynch will be referred directly to the AFL Tribunal.