David King wonders why Geelong defender Tom Stewart was not suspended for a very similar act to what resulted in a one-week ban for Carlton’s Zac Williams.
Williams pushed the head of Adelaide midfielder Ben Keays into the fake turf on the boundary of Marvel Stadium, with MRO Michael Christian deeming it sufficient force to warrant a one-week suspension.
Stewart was involved in a very similar incident with Brisbane forward Charlie Cameron on Thursday night, shoving his head into the Gabba surface.
David King said he had no issues with the Williams suspension, but wondered why the Cats star wasn’t in the same boat.
“As soon as you push someone’s head into the ground and it’s nothing to do with the general play, nothing to do with a football decision, then I think you run the risk of being suspended and I’m glad they have,” King told SEN Breakfast.
“They were very similar (incidents). One was on the fake turf though and to me elevated it fractionally.
“I know it’s the act and the act you’ve got to suspend. I’m comfortable with both of those players being suspended.
“Everyone says, ‘oh but you want players rubbed out all the time’. As soon as you rub them out once or twice, you send a message to the 800 players that this is not going to be accepted, it won’t be tolerated and you won’t see it again.
“I’d love to know why Stewart wasn’t in the same basket as Zac Williams.”
When asked if he would like to see an overhaul of the way the MRO operates, King responded: “100 per cent”.
“If Chrisso doesn’t see these things as just a blight on our game, I’m not sure what he’s seeing,” he said.
“I think he needs to adjust. I think he needs to be stronger on these things to stamp them out otherwise I think his interpretation is up for scrutiny.”
Watch the incidents below
Same same but one plays for @CarltonFC pic.twitter.com/NlACgvHoxC
— Carlton Blues Fans (@CarltonFCBlues) June 28, 2021