The AFL’s Integrity Unit has closed down an investigation into an incident of ‘potential inappropriate touching’.
On Saturday, the Brisbane Lions came unstuck against the Swans late on, with the reigning premiers succumbing to a two-point defeat at The Gabba.
But a bizarre incident has overshadowed the match after a Brisbane player Henry Smith and Swans player Nick Blakey appeared to feud on the footy pitch during the final minute of the first quarter.
The Swans halfback had taken a mark inside Brisbane’s forward line before he fell to the ground.
Smith’s foot then appeared to make contact with Blakey’s head, with the latter then appearing to kick out at his opponent, tripping him to the ground.
As he fell to the ground, Smith appeared to reach out with his hand to steady himself but made contact with Blakey’s backside.
The AFL have closed down an investigation into a ‘potential inappropriate touching incident’ that took place between Brisbane’s Henry Smith (right) and Swans player Nick Blakey (left)
It came after Blakey had taken a mark but fell to the floor. Smith, had been standing over the Swans player but lost his balance before falling over too
Nine’s Tom Morris stated on Monday that the Lions and Swans had ‘been aware of the AFL’s enquiries’ regarding the matter.
However, he added that there was ‘no complaint’ from Blakey or the Swans, with the league having now shut down their investigations.
A statement from the AFL read: ‘Following inquiries by the AFL Integrity Unit into an incident during the Brisbane Lions and Sydney Swans match on Saturday, it has been determined that no further action is required.’
On Monday, the Lions said: ‘The club is aware the AFL Integrity Unit is looking into an alleged incident from Saturday’s match against Sydney. While this process is being conducted, the club will not be commenting at this point.’
Morris said that the incident had been ‘initially viewed throw a Match Review Officer lens’ before it was referred to the AFL’s Integrity Unit.
It is believed that the single image shot of the incident had made it much worse than it had actually appeared on the field.
While some have argued that it was a non-incident after both players said they were OK with the matter, former Port Adelaide player Kane Cornes weighed in on the matter during Monday night’s episode of The Agenda Setters.
‘I cannot believe that the AFL would look at that and say there’s no case to answer,” he said during the Channel Seven show.
‘That’s one of the more unusual things I’ve ever seen on a football field.
‘It didn’t look like (an accident).’
There was further drama during Saturday night’s clash at The Gabba as several spectators were ejected from the stadium after they were pictured brawling in the stands.
It came as Isaac Heeney slotted five goals to lead the Swans to victory.
The Swans put their foot to the floor after half-time, with Chad Warner, Heeney, Oliver Florent and James Rowbottom all kicking consecutive majors for the New South Wales outfit.
Brisbane, still without their star-man Lachie Neale, fought back late on with Logan Morris, Zac Bailey and Callum Ah Chee all booting goals in the final 10 minutes of the clash, but it was too little too late for the Lions who suffered their second defeat in their last five games.
