BANNED: Steven May found guilty at AFL tribunal

Sean Dillon

BANNED: Steven May found guilty at AFL tribunal image

Melbourne defender Steven May has been found guilty at the AFL tribunal for his incident involving Carlton’s Francis Evans and will serve a three-week ban

Evans was concussed and left bloodied after the incident with May on Saturday night during Carlton’s clash with Melbourne. 

The AFL told the tribunal it wanted a three-week suspension for 'rough conduct' and said May breached his duty of care and should've changed his momentum or trajectory. However, they conceded that it was not a bump.

The Demons gave a list of nine reasons why they shouldn't find May guilty, which included that he was contesting the ball, thought he would get the ball first and didn't move off his line.

MORE: Carlton forward contemplates trade request as Blues season gets worse

Astoundingly, the tribunal deliberated for over an hour and a half on the decision before coming to the guilty verdict

A decision on the matter saw people take sides, including St Kilda legend Nick Riewoldt, who said it would be unrealistic for May to be suspended based on the action

Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin defended his player in the post-match press conference, saying he didn’t think May had any other options.

“He just said I didn't have any other option, I was just going for the ball, and that's how it came up. That was his comments as he came off to the bench; he was as surprised as anyone," Goodwin said.

Meanwhile, Carlton coach Michael Voss said he was happy to leave it up to the tribunal, while others

May, who was also concussed in the game against the Blues, could return for the Demons in Round 23 when they take on Hawthorn at MCG

Melbourne will have the right to appeal the decision of the tribunal if they wish to do so.

Sean Dillon

Sean Dillon is a contributing Wires Writer at The Sporting News based in Sydney, Australia