Hawthorn ruck Meek learns fate over late Lipinski clash
Hawthorn ruckman Lloyd Meek has avoided AFL sanction for his "genuine attempt to spoil" in an incident that left Collingwood's Patrick Lipinski concussed.
But teammate Mabior Chol wasn't as lucky, becoming the latest player fined for flipping the bird at opposition supporters.
Chol was caught on video raising his middle finger to fans during the Hawks' 51-point thrashing from the Magpies at the MCG on Friday night, the footage later posted to social media.
He can accept a $1000 fine with an early guilty plea.
Fellow Hawk Nick Watson, West Coast young gun Harley Reid and Geelong superstar Bailey Smith (twice) have also been fined for making obscene gestures this season.
AFL match review officer Michael Christian ruled Meek had no case to answer after he crashed into Lipinski from behind.
Collingwood players immediately flew the flag for Lipinski, with Meek's former Fremantle teammate Lachie Schultz first on the scene.
It sparked a mini melee before Lipinski was paid a 50m penalty and kicked an easy goal from the goal-square.
The winger left the field for assessment straight after his kick and later failed a concussion test.
Meek appeared to make only glancing high contact with Lipinski in his spoiling attempt, with the Magpie then landing heavily on his head.
"With his eyes on the ball, Meek attempts to spoil with a straight arm that does not deviate from the line of the ball, and in doing so makes primarily body contact with Lipinski in the marking contest," the AFL explained in a statement.
"It was the view of the MRO that Meek made a genuine attempt to spoil the ball, that his actions were not unreasonable in the circumstances and that he took reasonable care to avoid making forceful high contact to Lipinski in the marking contest.
"Furthermore, it could not have been reasonably foreseen that Lipinski's head would make forceful contact with the ground as a result of Meek's conduct.
"No further action was taken."
Lipinksi has been ruled out of Collingwood's clash with Melbourne under concussion protocols, and won't return until after their mid-season bye.
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