Nathan Broad knocks Patrick Parnell out cold with sling tackle

Football fans are out for blood and want the AFL Tribunal to come down hard on one star after he left an opponent knocked out cold.

Broad on top of Parnell after the sling tackle. (Photo by Sarah Reed/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Richmond survived a second half scare against Adelaide to register their first win of the season on Saturday.

The Tigers surged late in the fourth quarter to run away and record the 32-point victory, but it wasn’t all good news to come out of Adelaide Oval.

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Richmond’s Nathan Broad looks set for multiple weeks on the sidelines after a horror sling tackle in the opening quarter.

Broad wrapped his arms around Adelaide youngster Patrick Parnell near the boundary line before lifting him off the ground and slinging him onto the turf.

Parnell’s head bounced off the turf, knocking him out instantly as he remained down for several minutes.

Trainers rushed to his side as play was brought to a standstill before he was eventually helped back to his feet and made his way off the ground.

He was subbed out instantly and will now miss next Saturday night’s showdown against Port Adelaide.

“He picked him up and spun him around. That’s the sort of action we’re trying to prevent because that can bring head injuries into play,” Jason Dunstall said on Fox Footy.

“It’s not malicious, but it's the wrong action.”

Jeez this is so bad. Weeks you’d think. pic.twitter.com/NJKLWrbHwx

— Steve Smith (@stevesmithffx) March 25, 2023

Parnell was down for a long time. (Photo by Sarah Reed/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Fans are calling for Broad to be handed a lengthy ban after Crows player Shane McAdam was suspended for three weeks.

McAdam ran through GWS Giants youngster Jacob Wehr with a brutal bump that sent his head snapping back.

It was the potential to cause serious injury that became McAdam’s undoing. Wehr was able to continue the contest.

Parnell was subbed out immediately on Saturday with the horror tackle and actual outcome the key reason fans are calling for Broad to be given a longer suspension than McAdam.

AFL editor at RSN Mark Stevens wrote: “Copy book dangerous tackle with severe outcome. Broad gorn for multiple weeks.”

Deputy editor for The Advocate Tasmania Alex Fair wrote: “Holiday time for Nathan Broad you would think.”

Considering a bloke got three games for potentially hurting someone, and here a player ACTUALLY GOT HURT, I’d say the death penalty will be called upon by the AFL. #AFLCrowsTigershttps://t.co/0LF1v3IQXg

— David Penrose (@David_Penrose) March 25, 2023

That was utterly disgusting by Nathan broad, he should get 4 weeks plus

— Greeny (@JasonGr67517337) March 25, 2023

If there was a send off rule in the AFL - Nathan Broad would be out of this game for that tackle. #AFLCrowsTigers

— Phill Tsar (@philltee) March 25, 2023

Richmond took control of the contest in the first half, jumping out to a whopping 45-point halftime lead.

But the Crows emerged a different team in the third quarter as they flipped the script and put the Tigers on the backfoot.

If not for some wayward kicking in front of goal, the Crows could have taken the lead as they kicked five goals and eight behinds to bring the margin back to 14 points with one quarter to play.

The Crows got the margin back to within a point in the final term, before the Tigers responded and kicked the last five goals of the game.

It leaves the Crows winless through the opening two games of the 2023 season ahead of the highly-anticipated showdown next Saturday night.

Richmond will return to Melbourne for a blockbuster contest against Collingwood at the MCG on Friday night.