Sam Mitchell will play against North Melbourne on Saturday after being cleared by the MRP on Monday.
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In case you missed it, click the player above for the incident.
Did the Hawthorn star strike Melbourne’s Jack Watts with an open palm or a closed fist? According to the MRP, the Hawks midfielder attempted to push Watts away.
“Contact was made by Mitchell with an open hand in a pushing motion and it was the view of the panel there was no striking motion,” the statement said.
Despite being found guilty by the MRP twice last season, Mitchell’s offences have only been deemed worthy of fines.
Naturally, social media responded in the only way it knows how.
I reckon Sam Mitchell could stab a bloke to death on the field and still only get a fine. #SamMitchell
— Danny Pinn (@DannyPinn1) August 8, 2016
@AFL Watts should have got 4 weeks for headbutting poor Sam Mitchell in the hand. What a grub #MRPlotto
— Gee James (@GJ87morris) August 8, 2016
Disbelief grips many as Sam Mitchell found not guilty... Again! At least it can't be due to the 'good bloke' rule. pic.twitter.com/ly6Zq3ZGol
— Joe Moore (@joedmoore1979) August 8, 2016
Fuming that Sam Mitchell didn't get suspended. Not because I am a north fan but I just know that punching someone in the face is plain wrong
— Siobhan Roe (@siobhan_roe) August 8, 2016
@swanscentral good news too with Sam Mitchell proving you can spoil into the face of an opponent. @AFLTribunal #HorrendousCall
— Tappy (@Snark_Tappy) August 8, 2016
