Melbourne star defender Steven May has been suspended for a club match for having a physical altercation with teammate Jake Melksham.
The club has confirmed that the couple were drinking at a dinner on Sunday night before a “cheerful disagreement between the couple intensified”.
May was supposed not to drink while on concussion protocols, hence the suspension.
This makes her unavailable for playing the queen’s birthday.
Read the full club statement from football general manager Alan Richardson below:
“After dinner on Sunday evening, Jake and Steven informed us of a fight that took place after a disagreement between the couple intensified.”
“Both Jake and Steven had been drinking at dinner and are incredibly remorseful that things have turned out the way they did.
“Since Steven is still under the AFF’s 11-round concussion protocols, he was aware that according to the club’s guidelines he should not have drunk.
“The leadership group has recommended that a one-match ban be imposed on Steven, a decision that has been endorsed by the club’s wider management. This will make him unavailable to both the AFL and the VFL.
“Steven and Jake will also complete community service through one of the club’s community members to make sure they understand the responsibility and impact they have as role models within the community.
“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 is our culture and the commitment we have to live by our values.
“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. ”