The AFL's Match Review Panel (MRP) has split opinions after banning West Coast defender Will Schofield for one week for his strike on Melbourne's Clayton Oliver.
The incident occurred right on half-time in Saturday night's three-point Demons win at Domain Stadium.
Both teams were involved in a scuffle following the siren, with Schofield flailing an elbow at Oliver which appeared to fail to connect.
However, Oliver fell to the ground, holding his jaw, leading to accusations of staging, including on social media from ex-Australia cricketer Damien Martyn.
Hey Damien, you should just worry about that shot in 1994. Link if you can't remember - https://t.co/6EyZ1jezft #amiwatchingachoker
— Clayton Oliver (@ClaytonOliver16) June 25, 2017
Despite that, the AFL has offered Schofield a one-match ban for the incident, which he can accept with an early plea.
The MRP found that the strike was intentional conduct with low impact to the head, which is classified as a two-game ban.
Schofield has no previous record and subsequently can reduce the ban with an early plea.
Round 14 MRP: B. Cunnington and W. Schofield can accept one-match bans for striking.
— AFL MRP & Tribunal (@AFLTribunal) June 26, 2017
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