Revealed: The details of Dayne Zorko’s vile insult that reduced Melbourne star Harrison Petty to tears – as the AFL continues investigation into conduct of the Brisbane captain
Brisbane Lions captain Dayne Zorko allegedly wished death on Harrison Petty’s mother, as he aimed at vile insult which left the Melbourne star in tears.
Petty was visibly upset after Zorko reportedly uttered a verbal slur referencing a member of the Melbourne star’s family on Friday night, during the reigning premiers’ 115-57 demolition of the Lions at the Gabba.
According to the Herald Sun, the Lions captain’s alleged sledge went along the lines of: ‘I hope your mother dies’.
Dayne Zorko reportedly aimed a vile insult at Melbourne star Harrison Petty on Friday
Zorko was involved in plenty of scraps with the reigning premiers during a feisty affair – although Melbourne star Christian Petracca has insisted that his side had not planned to target the Lions gun ahead of the game.
And tempers flared heading into the three-quarter time break, with Channel 7 and Fox Footy claiming that Zorko had words with Petty.
As the teams separated for their respective huddles, Petty was seen in tears with it becoming clear that something had been said to him during the fracas.
The 22-year-old 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 AFL contacted Melbourne on Saturday over the incident, with the club advising they have accepted an apology from the Brisbane Lions and are happy to let the matter rest.
However the AFL probe will continue and there is a chance Zorko could face sanction under the AFL’s anti-vilification code.
The incident sparked a heated discussion between Melbourne football manager Alan Richardson and his Brisbane counterpart Danny Daly, before Zorko was confronted by several Demons at full-time.
Brisbane released a club statement on Saturday morning in which Zorko admitted he had acted inappropriately.
![Petty was left in tears on the pitch after a slur was allegedly directed in his direction](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/08/19/14/61540477-11127335-Harrison_Petty_was_left_in_tears_on_the_pitch_after_a_slur_was_a-a-101_1660915594941.jpg)
Petty was left in tears on the pitch after a slur was allegedly directed in his direction
![Petty started the fourth term on the interchange bench after the earlier incident](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/08/19/14/61540261-11127335-Petty_started_the_fourth_term_on_the_interchange_bench_after_the-a-103_1660915604916.jpg)
Petty started the fourth term on the interchange bench after the earlier incident
‘I have apologised to Harrison for the inappropriate comment I made to him last night,’ he said.
‘I’m remorseful for my actions and take full responsibility for the hurt caused to Harrison, his family and the Melbourne Football Club.
‘In reflection, I understand I need to be a better leader, and have spoken with the club who have reinforced this.’
![Zorko allegedly made a slur about a member of Petty's family and the pair spoke after the siren](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/08/19/15/61540265-11127335-Zorko_allegedly_made_a_slur_about_a_member_of_Petty_s_family_and-a-129_1660919997628.jpg)
Zorko allegedly made a slur about a member of Petty’s family and the pair spoke after the siren
It comes after Demons coach Simon Goodwin confirmed the inappropriate sledge about a family member of Petty’s would be handed over to the AFL.
‘Petts was a bit emotional at three-quarter time. He went away, re-set himself and came back into the game,’ Goodwin said.
‘That’s as much detail as we’re going to go into.’
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