Richmond star Tom Lynch is expected to come under MRO scrutiny for an off-the-ball incident with Gold Coast’s Sam Collins.
Lynch’s swinging right arm connected with Collins’ stomach as he led up to the ball during the final quarter of Monday night’s match at the Gabba.
The Suns defender dropped to the ground in discomfort with Tigers small forward Jake Aarts also appearing to make contact with Collins’ chest.
St Kilda great Nick Riewoldt labelled Lynch’s action a “cheap shot” on Fox Footy but Lynch says he pushed off Collins with an open hand.
“I wouldn’t say that (right arm to the midriff). It was just an open hand and pushed off. That was it,” Lynch told ABC Grandstand post-game.
“I’m not too sure, he (Collins) was a bit angry about that, but yeah, it was just an open hand to the chest, which as key forwards, is what you want to do.”
Tim Watson believes Lynch will get a one-week suspension but Garry Lyon thinks otherwise.
“The AFL can justify whatever the hell they want but their stance on punching is a joke and that’s being played out over and over and over,” Lyon told SEN Breakfast.
“What they are basically saying is you’re allowed to punch in the competition. You’ll get a fine but you’re allowed to punch and then we’ll determine on whether it’s a hard punch or a soft punch.
“That’s basically where they are at.”
Lynch’s two goals helped the sixth-placed Tigers beat the Suns by 21 points to boost their hopes of a top four finish.
Does Tom Lynch have something to worry about here? 🤔#AFLTigersSuns pic.twitter.com/nj0gMJVsmR
— SEN 1116 (@1116sen) August 17, 2020
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