Western Bulldogs midfielder Bailey Smith cops two-match suspension after headbutting Zach Tuohy

Western Bulldogs midfielder Bailey Smith has learnt his fate after he was charged with headbutting Geelong’s Zach Tuohy on Friday.

Bailey Smith and Zach Tuohy of the Cats tussle. Photo by Michael Klein

Western Bulldogs midfielder Bailey Smith has been handed a two-match ban after he was charged with headbutting Geelong utility Zach Tuohy at Marvel Stadium on Friday.

The 21-year-old was reported late in the third quarter of the Round 12 contest after he appeared to intentionally thrust his head at Tuohy during a heated confrontation.

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Tuohy emerged from the brief fracas with a ripped jersey and a red mark on his forehead, but shared a hug with Smith after the Cats claimed a 12.11 (83) to 10.10 (70) victory, their third consecutive win.

Speaking to reporters in the post-match press conference, Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge claimed he had not seen the incident.

“We’re just shaking our heads … we can’t believe what we’re seeing,” former Melbourne captain Garry Lyon told Fox Footy.

“It’s so out of character for a young man who is almost the highest profile footy player in the competition.”

Brisbane Lions legend Jonathan Brown called it an “absolute brain snap”.

“The old Liverpool kiss, we don’t see it very often,” he continued.

“What’s the AFL going to say about that? They called Buddy Franklin’s act cowardly. Jeez. that’s worse.”

Bailey Smith and Zach Tuohy tussle. Photo by Michael Klein

Bailey Smith gets reported for an alleged headbutt on Zach Tuohy. Photo by Michael Klein

On Saturday, the AFL confirmed that Smith had been charged for the incident, and could accept a two-match suspension with an early plea.

“Based on the available evidence, the incident was assessed as Intentional Conduct, Medium Impact, High Contact,” the AFL said in a statement.

“The incident was classified as a two-match sanction as a first offence.”

The Bulldogs have until Monday to decide whether to challenge the MRO’s decision. If they accept the sanction, Smith will miss upcoming fixtures against the GWS Giants and Hawthorn Hawks.

Richmond’s Bigoa Nyuon received a two-match suspension for headbutting an opponent in a VFL match last season, while West Coast defender Will Schofield was offered a one-week suspension after headbutting Port Adelaide’s Zak Butters in 2020.

Zach Tuohy of the Cats looks on after being headbutted by Bailey Smith. Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Meanwhile, Tuohy was charged with “other misconduct” for his involvement in the fiery melee, copping a $1500 fine.

“Emotions were obviously getting the better of both of us,” the Irishman told Fox Footy after the match.

“I was pulling and dragging at him as much as he was me so there was not much in it. When the game gets so close and given we had such a big lead cut back to a small margin, emotions get high so there was all love at the end.”

The Bulldogs and Cats will both enjoy a bye next weekend.