The AFL has handed Adelaide Crows forward Riley Thilthorpe a one-match suspension for a gut punch on Hawthorn's Lloyd Meek during their recent clash. The incident, captured by cameras, saw Thilthorpe strike Meek in the stomach, knocking him to the ground.
The league had earlier this year upgraded the penalty for gut punches from a fine to a one-match ban, labeling them as 'unnecessary, easily avoidable and having the potential to tarnish the reputation of Australian football'. This change meant Thilthorpe could not escape with a financial penalty.
The decision has sparked backlash from some fans, with one commenting, 'And this is why the AFL is in terminal decline,' while another wrote, 'I'll stop watching football if he's suspended for that you got to be joking.' A third fan added, 'Nah that's an absolute joke if they've given him a week for that.'
Adelaide may appeal the ban. The Crows have a bye next week, and Taylor Walker could replace Thilthorpe for their match against Geelong on June 4. Meanwhile, teammate Josh Rachele escaped with a fine for staging during the same game.
