AFL urged to investigate on-pitch confrontation that left the Demons’ Harrison Petty in tears

Brisbane Lions captain Dayne Zorko has apologised for the “inappropriate” sledge which left a Melbourne Demons rival in tears.

Harry Petty was emotional at the three quarter-time siren. Picture: Channel 7.

The AFL looks set to investigate after a messy on-pitch incident at The Gabba on Friday left Demons’ defender Harrison Petty in tears.

But the Demons have admitted the club is “comfortable” with Brisbane’s Dayne Zorko and the Lion’s apology after full-time.

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The fracas with Zorko took place at three quarter time and led Petty to be consoled by his Melbourne teammates, officials and coaches.

On Saturday morning, SEN’s Sam Edmund revealed the sledge was “cruel from the Lions captain and centred in on the health of a family member”.

But Melbourne general manager of football Alan Richardson said the AFL was involved but all parties were happy with the state of events.

“Yeah, they are (involved). I’ve spoken to the AFL, my understanding is they’re pretty comfortable with where it sits,” Richardson said.

“I can’t speak for them but that’s certainly the tone that I got based on the fact that Dayne (Zorko) apologised and Harrison Petty is really comfortable with where it sits.

“As a footy club, we’re comfortable with where it sits now too.

“They’ve been really quite sincere in their apology, that’s not the sort of behaviour they want from their players, they were really impressive yesterday in terms of taking the issue seriously.”

Zorko also released a statement on Saturday.

“I have apologised to Harrison for the inappropriate comment I made to him last night,” he said.

“I’m remorseful for my actions and take full responsibility for the hurt caused to Harrison, his family and the Melbourne Football Club.

“In reflection, I understand I need to be a better leader, and have spoken with the Club who have reinforced this.”

The Demons demolished the Lions in a 58-point win.

The Demons’ Harrison Petty was at the centre of an incident at The Gabba on Friday. (Photo by Russell Freeman/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Fox Footy Vision from the pitch at three quarter time showed Petty and Zorko in a confrontation which included shoving.

Other players and a referee then intervened.

Following the incident, Petty was said to be visibly upset.

After the match, Demons coach Simon Goodwin revealed a family member was mentioned.

“Petts’ thought he heard something inappropriate about a family member he was a bit upset about it,” Melbourne senior coach Simon Goodwin told reporters after the match.

“Brisbane have spoken to us and obviously the AFL will look at it.”

Fellow Demons’ defender Steven May put his arm around Petty who was also seen talking to Mark Williams, Troy Chaplin and Goodwin.

“Petts was a bit emotional at three quarter-time. He went away, reset himself and came back into the game,” said Goodwin.

“Brisbane have been quite apologetic towards us and that’s the type of footy club they are. They’re a very respected humble footy club and we’ll taken them on their word.”

Goodwin said Petty was now “all good”.

TV footage showed Petty and several Lions players. Picture: Fox Footy.

Harry Petty was emotional at the three quarter-time siren. Picture: Channel 7.

Melbourne coach Alan Richardson approached the Lions’ Danny Daly about the incident.

Following the siren, Petty and Zorko were also seen in conversation.

Daly said he had apologised to the Demons. Zorko is also said to have made amends with Petty following his earlier remarks.

Lions coach Chris Fagan said Brisbane would look into the comments and he urged the AFL to do so as well.

“Obviously, something did happen.

“No doubt we’ll have an investigation into it ourselves … and I suppose the AFL will do the same thing,’’ he told reporters.

Dayne Zorko of the Lions is said to have apologised. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

“Zorko did at times (look frustrated). He’s very passionate about our footy club and he would have been pretty disappointed at what was unfolding and that might have led to some frustration.

“It would concern me that any of our players got caught up in an incident like that- but I won’t judge just yet because I don’t know enough about it,” said Fagan.

Melbourne’s May told AFL Nation that Petty “wasn’t like he normally is” after the confrontation.

Simon Goodwin, senior coach of the Demons comforted Petty. (Photo by Russell Freeman/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

“He’s a tough country boy … not much rattles him.

“I had a chat to Zorko at the end and told him whatever you said, you crossed the line,” May added.

“He was pretty remorseful but he told me he didn’t say it, I think there was a misunderstanding.

“There’s a line that you don’t cross on-field.”