Dane Zorko slammed by AFL fans after Brisbane captain leaves Harrison Petty in tears

AFL fans have turned on Brisbane captain Dayne Zorko after he left Melbourne player Harrison Petty in tears at the Gabba. 

Petty was visibly emotional during the three-quarter time break, spending some time off the field on Friday.

He then returned later in the game in the 58-point win by the Demons over the Lions. 

His absence from the field was sparked after a spat with Zorko who allegedly directed a slur referencing a member of the Melbourne star’s family. 

The incident has prompted an investigation by the AFL, an apology from Brisbane Lions and an outpouring of criticism from angry fans condemning Zorko. 

‘Really distressing scenes seeing Harrison Petty so emotional on the ground,’ one wrote on Twitter.

‘Good to see the support from the Dees’ coaches at 3QT. Whatever was said shouldn’t ever happen! Zorko and Brisbane need to take some more responsibility here.’ 

Harrison Petty was left in tears on the pitch after a slur was allegedly directed in his direction

 Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin is seen comforting his star after the incident at 3QT

Petty started the fourth term on the interchange bench after the earlier incident 

Another added: ‘About last night.. Harrison Petty, we’re right behind you mate… Dayne Zorko, you reap what you sow, hope the media eat you and your disgusting sportsmanship alive’.

Petty was comforted by head coach Simon Goodwin and a number of backroom staff, and started the fourth term on the interchange bench as he sought to ‘reset’ himself after the incident.

The Demons rallied around their teammate to storm home to a 68-point victory over their premiership rivals, and after the game Melbourne hardman Steven May was seen fronting up to Zorko – who eventually made a beeline for Petty and the pair were seen shaking hands. 

After the final siren, Demons star Steven May had words with Brisbane captain Dayne Zorko

Zorko allegedly made a slur about a member of Petty’s family and the pair spoke after the siren

Zorko and Petty shook hands and Max Gawn hopes that the pair can move on after Friday’s win

Melbourne general manager Alan Richardson told Channel 7 of the incident: ‘Petts thought he heard something that was probably over the top in terms of a reference to a member of his family. 

‘We actually don’t have all of the information so it would be unfair of me to say anything with respect to Brisbane. 

Harrison Petty with his partner Alice Morgan

‘I went over to Danny Daly [Brisbane footy manager] at the break to let him know that it happened and if it happened then perhaps they might want to sort it out.’

Goodwin said post-match: ‘Petts thought he heard something inappropriate about a family member he was a bit upset about it.

‘Brisbane have spoken to us and obviously the AFL will look at it. That’s pretty much the details we’ll give at the moment and we’ll just hand it over to the AFL.

Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin says the AFL will investigate Friday’s incident

‘Petts was a bit emotional at three quarter-time. He went away, reset himself and came back into the game.

‘Brisbane have been quite apologetic towards us and that’s the type of footy club they are. They’re a very respected humble footy club and we’ll taken them on their word.’

Asked how Petty was feeling, Goodwin said: ‘He’s fine. He’s all good.

‘I thought his last quarter was pretty strong.’

Demons captain Max Gawn said: ‘I wasn’t there, there were a few words, all I saw was my teammate in tears.

‘It got us going a little bit, there’s plenty of big fish to fry over the next few weeks and I think they sorted it out. I saw a little handshake so hopefully all is well.’