Australian star Steven May has been given a one-match ban by the club after a “fight” with Melbourne teammate Jake Melksham and drinking while under AFL concussion protocols.
On Tuesday, The Demons released a statement confirming that May and Melksham were involved in an altercation around 9pm on Sunday after dinner with several teammates at a Prahran restaurant.
Demons football chief Alan Richardson said the “fight” took place after a “cheerful disagreement between the couple” intensified.
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Richardson said Melksham and May were drinking at dinner, and May was aware that, according to Melbourne club guidelines, “he should not have drunk” while under AFL concussion protocols.
May will now not be available for his Queen’s Birthday Club’s big clash with Collingwood after accepting a decision by the Demons’ leadership group to suspend him for a match.
He and Melksham will also complete community service through one of the club’s community members to ensure, according to Richardson, that they “understand the responsibility and impact they have as role models within the community.”
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Richardson said the club was incredibly disappointed with the incident, with both players “incredibly remorseful for things to have gone the way they did”.
“Over the last three years, Steven has become one of our most important leaders in the field, and while the impact of not having him available for selection is significant, which is most significant for us. it’s our culture and the commitment we have to live up to our values, ”Richardson said.
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“Steven is extremely remorseful and accepts that his actions were completely out of line with the expectations that the club and his teammates have of him. He accepts the sanction imposed and does not make excuses for his bad judgment.
“We are proud of the culture we have built over the last few years, and while we are disappointed with Steven’s behavior, we are returning to his character and supporting him to make sure he is armed to make better decisions for him and for the advancing football club. ”
It comes later foxfooty.com.au reported two years ago that May had apologized to Melbourne colleagues after drinking while injured.
May is considered one of the best key defenders in the competition after being part of the Australian team in the 2021 season of the Melbourne Premier League. The 30-year-old has played 182 games since making his debut in 2011.
Melksham, 30, has played 198 games for the Fire and Demons.
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