Xerri's three-match ban upheld as Blue and Lion learn fate

North Melbourne ruckman Tristan Xerri's three-game suspension for a careless hit on Melbourne's Tom Sparrow has been upheld.

The MRO initially concluded that Xerri’s flailing arm was careless conduct, severe impact and high contact, equating to a three-match ban for the star Roo.

North appealed the Xerri sanction but the Tribunal upheld the initial decision based on the careless nature of the act.

"Players who repeatedly commit offence of careless contact with an umpire will not necessarily benefit from an incrementally increased fine, or indeed that a fine will always be the appropriate sanction," Tribunal chairman chairman Jeff Gleeson said.

Following a ruck battle in North’s forward 50 at the MCG on Sunday, the ball found its way into the arms of the oncoming Sparrow. In an attempt to make contact with the ball and/or player, Xerri flung an arm in which took Sparrow high, immediately knocking out the Demon.

In other Tuesday night Tribunal cases, Brisbane's Zac Bailey was unsuccessful in having his one-match ban overturned.

Bailey hit Carlton defender Nick Haynes with a solid bump, the impact forcing heads to clash. It was deemed to be medium impact which brought about the ban.

The gun Lion will miss Friday night's clash with the Western Bulldogs.

Carlton midfielder Adam Cerra avoided suspension but copped a $5500 fine for making careless contact with an umpire.

It was Cerra's fourth umpire contact case in two years meaning he was sent directly to the Tribunal.