Melbourne’s Simon Goodwin responds to calls for Steven May to “cheat” and discusses the defender’s availability.
Following his theatrical performance during Saturday’s victory over North Melbourne, Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin stated that he has spoken with crucial defender Steven May.
May was observed grabbing at his head (without making contact with the ground), which caused the umpire to give the Demons a free kick for a risky tackle.
The former Sun was fined $1,875; however, pundits have called for a considerably higher sanction.
Goodwin, though, has jumped to May’s defense, claiming that accusations that he was a “cheat” were well beyond reasonable limits.
Goodwin stated on Tuesday, “I believe there has been enough attention on Steven for me to have the conversation with him.”
“I believe that he is not the first player to attempt to receive a free kick, so it’s obvious that he feels a little embarrassed by the circumstances, but I also believe that some of the discussion has been excessive.
“Knowing Steven’s personality and his fierce competition, he plays the game at an extremely high level. I believe that one of the things that was overlooked over the weekend was his performance against Nick Larkey.”
While attempting to explain May’s actions, Goodwin made reference to other players’ attempts to trick the umpires into awarding a free kick.
“It seems like a very long bow to make in this circumstance. Steve was obviously attempting to gain a free kick and a delay in the match, according to Goodwin.
“I’m sure he’s not the first person to pretend to be in position for a free kick and end up with one, but when it’s called out for staging in a public setting, it’s obviously an awkward situation.
“I suppose you’re not going to do it (again) when you get called out like this.”