Footy fans mock Melbourne’s ‘cringeworthy’ tribute to Angus Brayshaw after Demons star’s shock retirement from AFL

Melbourne paid tribute to former teammate Angus Brayshaw on Thursday night, but some fans were less than impressed with the club’s gesture.

Brayshaw, 28, informed the football club last month that he would retire from the sport with immediate effect due to a concussion he suffered during last year’s AFL final.

Brayshaw suffered a concussion after Collingwood defender Brayden Maynard tried to smother the Demons midfielder’s kick in the first quarter of the qualifying final.

Maynard escaped a ban over the controversial bump, which divided the football world and prompted the AFL to tinker with rules on throttling.

“I am devastated that I can no longer play the game I love, but I respect the judgment of the medical professionals and the importance of putting my health before my career,” Brayshaw said.

“Concussions are a major problem in our sport.”

And ahead of their first match without the dominant midfielder, Max Gawn and his team remembered Brayshaw before taking to the SCG grass.

His iconic helmet was hung on what looked like a nail or light switch, and the players banged it as they left the barns.

But some fans found the tribute somewhat strange.

“They show how he got a concussion?” one fan asked.

Another said: ‘This is so cringe lol’.

A third added: “No wonder he had to retire when they’re used to hitting the helmet like that.”

The midfielder retired from football last month due to concussion problems

“Hanging the helmet on the light switch,” another fan commented. “I’m sure you’ll think of a better way to honor your (sic) mate.”

“Maxy is trying to give him a delayed concussion,” said a fifth fan.

Melbourne then lost their opening match of the season 12.14 (86) – 9.10 (64) to the Swans.