SUNS vice-captain Steven May has been found guilty of engaging in rough conduct against Brisbane’s Stefan Martin and suspended for five weeks at the AFL Tribunal on Tuesday night.

The case was referred directly to the Tribunal after the Match Review Panel graded it as careless conduct with severe impact to the head.

Represented by player advocate Tony Burns in Melbourne, May pleaded guilty to the charge and said he accepted the Tribunal’s decision.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to say I accept the Tribunal’s decision and to thank them for a fair hearing,” he said.
 
“I would also like to reinforce that I am very remorseful that in the heat of the game I overstepped the mark, I am disappointed in my action and for that I have apologised Stefan.
 
“As a result of my action on the weekend I let down everyone connected to the Gold Coast SUNS and for that I apologies to the club, my teammates and our members and fans.
 
“Cleary I made the wrong choice to leave the ground when bumping Stefan. I’ve got work to do on my technique, and that is something I will need to improve.
 
“During my suspension I look forward to helping the team in any way possible to ensure we capitalise on our positive start to the season.”

In a hearing that lasted 90 minutes, the jury of Wayne Henwood, Shane Wakelin and Stewart Lowe delivered their verdict, ruling May out for five games.

May will miss the upcoming games against North Melbourne, Geelong, Melbourne, GWS and Adelaide.