Richmond star Shai Bolton has been reprimanded by his coach and a variety of his senior teammates after a mid-match taunt aimed toward Carlton’s Sam Docherty.
Bolton kicked two targets within the Tigers’ 11. 15. (81) to 9. 12. (66) win over the Blues on the MCG, and it was the second of his two majors that landed him in sizzling water along with his workforce.
Tempers flared on the finish of the third quarter with gamers from each side concerned in a fracas on the siren, with Bolton and Docherty going at it.
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Three minutes into the fourth quarter, Bolton pounced on a free ball within the Tigers’ ahead line and bumped into an open purpose to increase Richmond’s result in 20 factors.
Nevertheless, earlier than slotting the purpose, Bolton regarded again at Docherty, who was chasing behind him, displaying the ball to the Carlton veteran and sticking his tongue out.
It was an act that Richmond coach Damien Hardwick mentioned didn’t mirror the membership’s tradition.
“He is made a mistake. It isn’t us, it is not what we’re about,” he mentioned.
“He’ll be regretful, no query. He’ll be accountable and accountable for it. It is actually not part of who he’s and part of what we’re.
“We’re disillusioned however we’ll work our method by way of it and help him and he’ll study some classes from it. It isn’t a terrific look.
“One of many issues we at all times need to do is honour our competitors, and that most likely goes in opposition to that.”
Bolton was additionally referred to as out by Tigers co-captain Toby Nankervis after the match.
“He is a terrific participant and performs with a number of aptitude, however I used to be a bit anxious,” he instructed ABC Sport.
“There was nonetheless 15-odd minutes to go, so I would not be doing that, and I do not suppose Shai would have carried out that if he had his time once more.
“We need to be a humble soccer membership that performs footy in the best method. I like the way in which Shai performs the sport, and that possibly overstepped the mark a little bit bit.”
Veteran defender Nathan Broad additionally mentioned he’d spoken to the 23-year-old in regards to the taunt.
“I’ve already had a chat to Shai – it is not a terrific look. He is aware of it too,” the Tigers defender instructed AFL Nation.
“He went up and apologised, I believe.
“He is nonetheless younger and nonetheless engaged on his recreation. He’ll take it on the chin and transfer on.”
Cameras caught Bolton and Docherty sharing a heat embrace after the competition, with the teenager seemingly apologising for his taunt, and teammate Nick Vlastuin praised him for searching for out the Carlton star.
“I did see the footage of him going as much as him after the sport, which is nice,” Vlastuin instructed Fox Footy.
“I believe so long as you do this, it is all theatre, it is good for the gang, a little bit of enjoyable, however the respect continues to be there.”
The win lifts Richmond into the highest eight with an 8-5 report, whereas Carlton’s grip on the highest 4 may very well be in jeopardy, with Michael Voss’ facet at the moment clinging to fourth with a 9-4 report.
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