Fiery on air debate erupts over Steven May’s blatant staging act

AFL legend Leigh Matthews has blown up at a fellow media member in the wake of a Melbourne star copping a staging fine.

A fiery on-air debate was sparked in the wake of Melbourne defender Steven May being slapped with a staging fine.

May was handed a $1875 fine by the AFL’s Match Review Officer on Sunday after his blatant act drew widespread backlash.

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In the third quarter of Melbourne’s match against North Melbourne on Saturday, May was tackled to the ground by Eddie Ford and clutched at his head moments after hitting the ground.

The umpire quickly blew his whistle as he awarded the Demons defender the free kick for a dangerous tackle.

Replays however showed May’s head never came into contact with the turf during the tackle which left fans across the AFL community seeing red.

On Sunday night the “utterly disgraceful” incident was brought into question with AFL legend Leigh Matthews going toe-to-toe with Tom Morris over the penalty and the optics of the incident.

“That is clearly a staging fine and I’m glad the MRO has fined Steven May for that, we don’t like that in the game,” Morris said on Channel 9’s Footy Furnace.

But Matthews wasn’t having it as he shared his firm belief that May hadn’t crossed any line.

“I think it’s petty from my point of view. The MRO fined him because the league says we don’t want him staging it. He put his hand to the head. Is that staging?” Matthews said.

Morris added: “Well and also throwing your head back is staging, exaggeration.”

Matthews responded: “Oh he went to the ground and put his head on the ground, he didn’t thump his head to the turf. I understand people don’t like staging but for me small potatoes.”

May grabbed his head. Photo: Fox Sports

The heat however between the pair was turned up when Morris brought up former Melbourne player Angus Brayshaw and the issues surrounding concussions and brain injuries.

“This is Angus Brayshaw’s club though Leigh, you’ve got a teammate of Angus Brayshaw that is exaggerating a head injury in a time when concussion is red-hot. Has the MRO made the wrong call then?” Morris said.

Matthews began his response by again stating the staging portion of what May did wasn’t as bad as some had made out before taking aim at Morris for attempting to link the incident to concussion and brain injuries.

“The league don’t like the staging. But what did he do, he was tackled and made sure his head went to the ground. I guess that’s where, is that the staging part of it,” Matthews said.

“What are you upset about, for instance that this is not right. It’s shocking for the game with what Steven May did then.”

A fiery debate erupted over May’s act.

Tom and Leigh went head-to-head.

Morris interjected: “In a time when concussion is so red-hot I’m happy the MRO has come down on it and I would hope that would deter players in the future.”

Matthews hit back: “What’s concussion or brain injury got to do with it? He wasn’t putting himself or his head at risk.”

Morris added: “Any time you exaggerate a hit to the head, and try to fool the umpire in doing so, you muddy the waters.”

Matthews said ending the debate: “Oh, I think even linking it to concussion or the brain injury thing is a long bow.”

May was fined after the incident. Photo: Fox Sports

While Matthews might not have an issue with what May did, footy fans far and wide were not happy with the Dees star and vented their frustration on social media.

Ex-AFLW star turned commentator Kate McCarthy hit out at the move.

“This is an awful look IMO,” she tweeted. “Exactly what we are hoping NOT to see from players. Making their head hit the ground, then clutching at it. Umpires have a hard enough job, don’t be doing this crap.”

West Coast premiership player Will Schofield called for the AFL to stop the staging.

“Players holding their head after a ‘dangerous tackle’ should be immediately sent off the ground for assessment – whether they are faking or not,” he tweeted.

Amid the staging controversy, the Demons held off a fast finishing North Melbourne to claim a three point win on Saturday night, snapping a two-game losing streak.

May and the Dees will look to keep their winning ways going when they take on the Brisbane Lions on Friday night at the Gabba.

Originally published as Fiery on air debate erupts over Steven May’s blatant staging act