Collingwood star Brayden Maynard was at the centre of a controversial moment against Gold Coast Suns that involved pushing the umpire in an act that sparked a brawl.

Yet many have defended the Magpies star after mayhem broke out at the end of the second quarter.

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In defence of Maynard, he was victim of a three-man assault, with Suns forward Ben Long throwing an elbow into his ribs, before the benches of both teams cleared.

Maynard was knocked to the ground and looked visibly hurt following the altercation.

But he did not lick his wounds and instead sought revenge, firing what appeared to be an X-rated warning at Long while gesticulating towards him.

Sure enough, as soon as the siren sounded for halftime Maynard rushed towards Long, who was already being accosted by other Pies players.

Maynard went for his attacker but appeared to push umpire Andrew Stephens in the back in doing so.

There was minimal contact but any touch on the umpire is a big no-no, so the Pies player could face punishment.

His actions certainly added to the chaos as Suns star Bailey Humphrey dragged him to the ground in the ensuing brawl.

Several bodies piled up on the ground as the instigator, Ben Long, somehow made a getaway.

Commentator Anthony Hudson said on Kayo Sports: “This is out of control.”

Maynard told Kayo Sports post-game: “If you’re going to come hit me cheaply, you’re going to get something back.

“It’s all apart of the game, I didn’t mind it really. I think I might have a broken rib but it’s all apart of footy.”

Maynard could be suspended for making intentional contact with an umpire — GWS captain Toby Greene was handed a six-week ban for touching an umpire in 2022.

Fox Footy Reporter Jay Clark said: “This vision does not look. The AFL is hot on this.”

David King said: “It could be the dumbest thing we’ve seen for the year. Umpires are a no-go zone, we talk about protecting them at all costs.

“This is irresponsible and it’s a month (suspension) for me.”

Long did not escape criticism from fans and pundits, with many backing Maynard after his harsh treatment.

“Team Maynard. Pathetic from Gold Coast Suns,” wrote Kane Cornes on X.

“Maynard, with a popped shoulder and a broken rib laid a game high nine tackles (six in the second half). Gold Coast Suns had 15 players who laid one or less. Says it all.”

“Commentators calling Maynard getting four weeks for umpire contact,” said former AFL star Grant Thomas.

“Firstly he looks like he was being pushed from behind and had his hand out and secondly why on earth is an umpire anywhere near that action. Stay 10 metres out and let them go.

“Watch AFL make an overboard example of this incident.”

“The cowardly Ben Long hit not worth a mention?” wrote fan Rick Tapp on X.

“Maynard moving the umpire out of his way before getting into the scrap? Yeah, can’t be doing that boss,” said another, Nic Negrepontis.

Maynard was asked about the incident after the match and he revealed he thinks he might have a broken rib.

“If you’re gonna comne hit me cheaply you’re going to get something back.

“It’s all part of the game, I don’t mind it really. I think I might have a broken rib but it’s part of footy. We move on.”

Collingwood coach Craig McRae was not happy with how Maynard was treated though refused to comment on his apparent umpire push.

“I will have to look at that to make comment on it. I can’t make comment if I haven’t seen it. I’m sure I will,” McRae said in response to the matter,” he said.

“I only have one angle on the boundary … prior to that while it escalated I just saw Bruzzy (Maynard) get hit in the ribs and to what extent, I don’t know, but it caused something.

“Then the siren goes, I duck in (to the change rooms), I get myself sorted – they come in fired up though.

“There was an energy when they came in. I’m not aware of how long it went for but I don’t know what the AFL do with that, I’m sure they’ll be looking at it all.

“I wasn’t happy with the guy getting hit off the ball, I’m not sure that’s something we’d love every week.”

Originally published as Collingwood star Brayden Maynard risks punishment over umpire push that leaves AFL world divided