Richmond young gun Tyler Sonsie is facing one of the biggest suspensions in years after an ugly off-the-ball strike at VFL level on Sunday.
With his side leading by two goals late in the match, Sonsie appeared to lose his cool and lash out at North Melbourne opponent Tom Cappellari.
Vision shows the duo tangle over the boundary line in the match at the Swinburne Centre in Melbourne before Sonsie reacts.
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Getting to his feet, Sonsie goes back at Cappellari and appears to land a blow to the chin of the Roo.
Cappellari is then seen clutching at his face on the turf in worrying scenes.
Sonsie has since been charged with striking, graded intentional, severe and high contact. He was referred directly to the VFL Tribunal and is facing a minimum sanction of five games.
“It seems as though there’s been a very significant incident at the VFL,” journalist Sam McLure said on 3AW.
“Richmond youngster Tyler Sonsie … has lashed out at Tom Cappellari a North Melbourne VFL player.
“From what I could see, it was a left fist that caught Cappellari somewhere on the chin – certainly in the upper region.
“It was completely off the ball.
“There’s two sides to every story but the vision did not look good.”
Sonsie had been in line for a possible senior recall in the final round after playing a starring role in that VFL clash.
He finished with a team-high 23 disposals, three clearances, two inside 50s and a goal.
Richmond’s win ensures the side books a place in the VFL’s Wildcard Round, while the Kangas also hold on for a Wildcard spot by percentage in the 12-point loss.
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