Tensions between Gold Coast and Collingwood have exploded on the stroke of half-time with an extraordinary all-in brawl that saw veteran Brayden Maynard make contact with an umpire.
It all started when Bailey Humphrey kicked a goal in the final minute of the second quarter after a questionable free kick.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Heated brawl erupts between Collingwood and Gold Coast
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It had started to kick off in the background between other players, including captains Nick Daicos and Noah Anderson, but things escalated when an unsuspecting Maynard was crunched by Ben Long after the goal.
Maynard had been fronting up to Humphrey and was caught completely unaware when Long came in from the side with a brutal hit to the ribs.
Things exploded after Long’s hit on Maynard. Credit: Fox Footy
He took a while to get up as players came from all angles to remonstrate.
Things eventually diffused as the ball went back to the middle, but it all kicked off again as soon as the siren went for half-time.
Maynard, who had appeared to say “you are f***ed”, charged towards Long. As he got close to his intended target, he appeared to push away an umpire who was in the vicinity.
Maynard and Long did exchange words during the fiery confrontation before they were pulled away and players from everywhere came in.
“This is out of control. The umpires can’t do anything,” Anthony Hudson said in commentary.
Jason Dunstall added: “There are gonna be so many fines coming out of this. Ben Long and Brayden Maynard would love nothing more than to go at it.”
Nearly every player was involved. Credit: Getty
The umpire contact will be a massive point of contention with North Melbourne great David King suggesting a potential month-ban.
“This could be the dumbest thing we’ve seen for the year,” he said on Fox Footy.
“The umpires are a no-go zone, we talk about protecting them at all costs.
“This is irresponsible and it’s a month for me.”
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