Charlie Cameron and Toby Bedford fail to have three-game bans overturned

Footy fans have been left seeing red after two stars learnt their fate at the AFL Tribunal after being hit with huge suspensions.

Charlie Cameron has been rubbed out. (Photo by Will Russell/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

The tackle may well be dead and buried in the AFL.

Both Charlie Cameron and Toby Bedford have failed in their bids to have their monster suspensions overturned at the AFL Tribunal on Tuesday night.

The Brisbane Lions and GWS Giants stars were slapped with three-game bans for dangerous tackles that resulted in opponents being concussed.

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Footy fans in unison were left seeing red as they blew up at the league for upholding the “insane” bans.

The AAP’s Oliver Caffrey’s wrote on X: “A bewildering, game-changing night at the tribunal.

Charlie Cameron and Toby Bedford seemed to mount compelling arguments, but had cases thrown out for tackles that earned them 3-game bans. The not-so-subtle message now to players is essentially: tackle at your own peril.”

The ABC’s Clint Wheeldon wrote: “Charlie Cameron’s suspension is a disgrace. If you defend this decision - go and participate in nothing more physical than Hungry, Hungry Hippos. But only with protective glasses on, because there’s a slight risk one of the plastic balls might hit you.”

SEN’s Nic Negrepontis wrote: “Charlie Cameron getting 3 weeks is insane. The MRO is completely lost. Our game is so hellbent on banning players it doesn’t even remember its actual purpose.”

Another user wrote: “The only good thing about the Charlie Cameron decision is seeing just about everyone turn on the AFL. Utterly ridiculous ruling by an incompetent administration.”

A fourth added: “Absolute disgusting getting weeks for that tackle.”

This tackle cost Charlie three weeks. (Photo by Will Russell/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Cameron attempted to argue his driving tackle on Liam Duggan was reasonable, claiming the Eagles defender was to blame for the backwards momentum.

“What we get taught at footy training is trying to get in tight to the ball carrier and try and wrap your arms around him,” Cameron said.

“I’m just trying to hold him up and control the tackle. When you’re out there, you’re trying to fight (him) as well … I’m trying to stand up.”

Despite his pleas that his tackle was nothing more than a normal motion, the AFL weren’t hearing it and ruled Cameron had “engaged in rough conduct”.

Charlie Cameron has been rubbed out. (Photo by Will Russell/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

“We find that in tackling his opponent in the way he did, Cameron engaged in rough conduct. Almost immediately after Duggan picked up the ball, Cameron ran to Duggan and wrapped his arms around him in a tackle,” the AFL said.

“He had both of Duggan’s arms pinned and the ball was locked in between them. Contrary to Cameron’s evidence, we consider the vision clearly captures Cameron taking Duggan to ground.

“If his arms weren’t held, then there would have been opportunity for him to try to use an arm or shoulder to cushion his landing. For these reasons, we uphold the charge.”

It means Cameron will now miss games against Sydney, Gold Coast and St Kilda.

Originally published as Charlie Cameron and Toby Bedford fail to have three-game bans overturned