Justin Leppitsch clashes with Brisbane Lions rookie Zac O’Brien at half-time of NEAFL game

UPDATE: JUSTIN Leppitsch has escaped sanction for manhandling rookie Zac O’Brien.

AFL Rd 5 - Gold Coast v Brisbane

JUSTIN Leppitsch has escaped sanction for manhandling rookie Zac O’Brien but has been warned by Lions management to contain his temper and not let a similar incident happen again.

Leppitsch strongly denies he grabbed O’Brien by the throat and insists he only grabbed his jumper to drag him down from a step because the player was standing over him.

O’Brien confirmed Leppitsch’s version of events.

AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan said through a spokesman that he could only take Leppitsch and O’Brien at their word and there would be no league intervention.

Brisbane's Zac O'Brien in action at senior level last year.

Brisbane attempted to put closure to the issue last night by issuing a statement in which Leppitsch and O’Brien both expressed their regret at the half-time incident during the NEAFL game that followed Saturday night’s QClash at Metricon Stadium.

The Courier-Mail spoke to both Leppitsch and CEO Greg Swann and both said there was total harmony within the side.

However, the leaking of the details of an incident like that late at night in a changeroom of an empty stadium could only have come from within the Lions camp.

Q-CLASH FALLOUT? SUNS SUSPEND THREE

Swann said the incident was not major and confirmed Leppitsch would not be fined but admitted he had been told to make sure it never happened again.

O’Brien is not available for senior selection for two weeks. Leppitsch lost his cool when O’Brien swore at reserves coach Shane Woewodin during the first half of the game. He confronted him at half-time and dragged him into a separate room to berate him.

“What’s happened is a couple of really passionate people have crossed the line and I’ve apologised to Zac,” said Leppitsch.

“I’ve yelled at him a little bit and grabbed his shirt, and that was inappropriate. It’s not something that I’m proud of.

“It was two passionate people in the heat of the moment. We’ve nipped it in the bud and everything is OK now.

“The one disappointing fact for Zac and I, is that we spoke on Sunday and Monday and it was all good, and for it to be raised again is disappointing.’’

O’Brien has also apologised. “I overreacted on the bench, which I’m not happy about and very remorseful and regret it,’’ he said.

“At half-time I went into the rooms with Justin and we had a chat, and we’re two pretty passionate people who care a lot about the club and things got a little bit heated.

“But we put it to bed yesterday, I’m happy with where it’s at and Justin’s happy with where it’s at. We’ve cleared the air and are on good terms.

“I’m very comfortable with where I stand with the club and the coaches. I’ve got a good working relationship with Justin and I think this is just a little hiccup.

“We’ll move forward from here and be bigger and stronger for it.”

‘LEPPA’ IN DESPAIR — LISTEN TO THIS WEEK’S SUPERFOOTY PODCAST BELOW:

Originally published as Justin Leppitsch clashes with Brisbane Lions rookie Zac O’Brien at half-time of NEAFL game