Steven May apologises for his brutal bump on Stef Martin in QClash

REMORSEFUL Sun Steven May has apologised to Stefan Martin for the brutal shirtfront that knocked the Lions ruckman out, and admitted he crossed the line.

Steven May of the Suns is harrassed by Lions players after his hit on Stefan Martin of the Lions during Round 4 AFL match between the Brisbane Lions and Gold Coast Suns at the GABBA, Brisbane, Saturday April 16, 2016. (AAP Image/Glenn Hunt) NO ARCHIVING, EDITORIAL USE ONLY

REMORSEFUL Suns defender Steven May has apologised to Stefan Martin for the brutal shirtfront that knocked the Lions ruckman out in Saturday night’s QClash.

The Suns vice-captain, who is facing a lengthy suspension admitted he crossed the line in a spiteful QClash 11 at the Gabba, which the Lions won by 13 points.

“I’m very remorseful that in the heat of the game I overstepped the mark, I am disappointed in my actions and for that I apologise to Stefan,” said May, who was reported for rough conduct.

Television cameras captured May seeking out Martin after the game and apologising.

He tracked down Martin’s number and made further contact on Sunday morning to again apologise and check on his wellbeing.

Suns insiders said May was anxious for Martin’s welfare after the game and was filled with regret on Sunday.

He went public after repeated requests for an interview from The Courier-Mail.

“Fortunately after the game last night I had the chance to speak with Stefan and apologised to him directly. And again this morning, I made contact with Stefan to check up on him and we have since exchanged messages.”

Look out! Stef Martin is lined up by Steven May.

Martin woke up on Sunday with headaches and swelling around his face after being floored by May.

He failed a concussion test after the match and underwent scans the following day.

Martin will have more scans on Monday but is highly unlikely to face the Bulldogs next Saturday night.

Lions star Pearce Hanley revealed exacting revenge for the savage hit on Martin was the driving force behind Brisbane’s stirring victory.

Hanley, who won his second Marcus Ashcroft Medal on the back of 28 disposals and two goals, said the Martin-May flashpoint just before the main break proved to be a “massive, massive’’ motivation.

“We were well fired up when it happened, no doubt about that,’’ Hanley said.

“We all love Stef. To see that happen to one of your teammates isn’t nice at all.

“Watching the vision after the game, it still made you cringe. At halftime a few of the boys were still really unhappy about it.

“While it was understandable to be really fired up, we had to regain our composure and stick to our game plan.

“We saw holes in their game that we could exploit and we were able to refocus and get the job done.’’

The AFL’s match review panel will assess the incident on Monday and is likely to refer the matter directly to the tribunal.

Lions coach Justin Leppitsch told his troops at halftime the best way to make amends for Martin was to channel their aggression towards winning the ball.

Brisbane responded by dominating contested ball (155-131) to set up their first win of 2016.

Martin stayed with Lions welfare boss Craig Lambert and his family on Saturday night as a precaution and Brisbane football manager Matt Francis said the club would take an ultra-cautious approach, particularly after the recent retirement of defender Justin Clarke.

May has become the most notorious figure in QClash history.

He was rubbed-out for three weeks in the first derby between the two clubs last season for a high bump on Lions captain Tom Rockliff.

He was also reported in 2014 for rough conduct on Dayne Zorko but successfully fought the charge.

The Suns could face at least a month without May and fellow key defender Rory Thompson (ankle).

Defenders Jack Leslie and Henry Schade could be promoted from the reserves, or the Suns could switch Sam Day and Clay Cameron back to defence and thrust Jarrad Grant and Peter Wright into the forward line after strong NEAFL form.

Lions defender Darcy Gardiner will have scans on his elbow on Monday.