Richmond Tigers forward Tom Lynch banned for throwing punch at Jordon Butts

Richmond veteran Tom Lynch has been banned for five matches by the AFL tribunal for a wild punch thrown during his side’s loss to Adelaide.

A frustrated Lynch let anger get the better of him during the second quarter of his side’s clash with the Crows, swinging wildly and connecting with defender Jordon Butts.

The incident was in clear view of the closest umpire, who paid a free kick and reported Lynch for striking.

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During a hearing that went for more than two hours, Lynch argued that he was trying to make contact with Butts’ upper back, not his head. He also maintained he didn’t have a clenched fist.

AFL counsel Nick Pane said regardless of if it was a clenched fist, the swing’s force could have caused injury. The AFL proposed a five-week ban.

“It was the type of action from a bygone era,” Pane said.

The tribunal returned after more than 50 minutes of deliberation to say it upheld the severe impact grading but hadn’t decided on a sanction. Both legal parties were asked for clarification before the tribunal retired again.

The tribunal then returned and handed down a five-match ban.

The Richmond premiership star did not have a disposal before half-time as his side entered the break 41 points down, but he gave away a staggering five free kicks.

A handball halfway through the third quarter would be his first touch of the leather.

The incident occurred after a marking contest between Lynch and Butts, where the defender got a clear spoil on the ball, but had an arm draped over the veteran’s shoulder.

“Lynch is in a lot of trouble here,” Western Bulldogs great Brad Johnson said immediately upon seeing the incident in live play for Fox Footy.

Butts hit the deck and held his head, but got back to his feet. Crows players came from everywhere to fly the flag for their teammate, with a brawl ensuing.

Lynch then gave away another free kick for high contact almost immediately after, throwing another shoving blow to Adelaide’s Mark Keane.

Richmond great Matthew Richardson was scathing in his criticism of Lynch, saying “he’s lost the plot”, on 3AW.

“He’s lost his cool big time. You’ve got to take him off,” he said.

“Lynch thinks he hasn’t been given any free kicks for holding, but you can’t be doing what he just did then.”

His frustration built throughout the quarter. Lynch was seen screaming at an umpire earlier in the term.

Lynch was also fined $1500 for a separate striking incident.

“I’m not standing here copping this,” umpire Jeff Dalgleish told Lynch at the time.