The bomber star gets caught in a sneak attack on Collingwood pistol Nick Daicos during the Anzac Day clash – as the blow splits angry AFL fans down the middle
- Jye Caldwell faces suspension for punch
- Hit Daicos in the third quarter on Anzac Day
- Race judge investigates incident
Jye Caldwell could face a suspension for punching Magpies pivot Nick Daicos in the guts during Collingwood’s thrilling Anzac Day victory with the Essendon star sweating over a Collingwood medical report.
The midfielder thrashed Daicos in the third quarter at the MCG on Tuesday, leaving his opponent writhing in pain in an act that could earn him a one-game suspension, despite similar incidents usually only earning a fine of the AFL.
Fans have been left divided by the hit, with some accusing Collingwood’s young gun of an Oscar-worthy dive, while others called him “weak” and said he deserved to miss three games.
Caldwell could miss a game if match judge Michael Christian receives a report saying he bruised Daicos or interfered with him in training.
Jye Caldwell hit Daicos with a left hand to the guts (pictured) in the third quarter of his side’s loss to Collingwood in a riveting Anzac Day clash
The blow left the Pies superstar writhing on the ground for several seconds – but many footy fans have accused him of diving and believe Caldwell should not be suspended
The magpie cried out and fell to the ground as soon as he was hit with his team trailing by 10 points with 11 minutes left in the third term
The 20-year-old lay there for several seconds, grinning in pain, as commentator Brian Taylor said: ‘That’s interesting, isn’t it? That might buy him a week.’
Most fans were quick to disagree, taunting Daicos for behaving to get a free kick.
“10/10 dive,” one footy supporter wrote on Twitter.
“Thank goodness there’s not much in that,” commented another.
“When was the last time a belly tap got a week. You can’t punish harder for hitting Bambi,” a third wrote.
‘A week at least… to Daicos for staging!!’ joked another fan.
However, former St Kilda coach Grant Thomas is convinced the strike should result in a suspension of up to two games.
The Bombers midfielder (pictured high tackling John Noble during the game) sweats over a report on the impact of the hit on Daicos
Some fans even said Daicos (pictured) is the one who should be suspended for ‘acting’
“You waive ALL rights if you strike in my opinion,” he tweeted Tuesday, shortly after the full-time siren sounded.
“About exuberant tackles, accidental contact in the search for a game isn’t as bad as [a] intentional punch.
“I hear a lot of support for Caldwell to be fined or even [get] out. I am baffled. That’s exactly the kind of incident that deserves a week or two.
“Players are being scolded for unintentional, innocent incidents. This was an intentional blow requiring suspension.”
Some footy fans agreed.
“Was a cheap jab but don’t get a week… pretty normal,” someone tweeted.
‘3 weeks!!!!’ wrote another.
If Caldwell is brushed off for a game, he will miss the Bombers’ showdown with a resurgent Geelong at the MCG on Sunday. He will also be in the stands in two matches when Essendon take on Port at Adelaide Oval.