An AFL star has been caught pinching an opponent throughout the match, sparking outrage from furious footy fans and former players.
Hawthorn Hawks captain Ben Stratton is expected to come under scrutiny from the match review committee over his treatment of Essendon star Orazio Fantasia during the Hawks' 19-point loss at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne on Friday night.
Stratton's special treatment of the Bombers' small forward began within seconds of the opening bounce and continued the entire game.
His tactics behind the play later sparked niggling between other opponents, who came to blows in an all-in-brawl at the end of the third quarter.
Photos later showed Fantasia's upper arm red and bruised with pinch marks.
'Have a look at the pinch marks on the back of the arm there,' Channel Seven commentator Brian Taylor said during the game.
Essendon star Orazio Fantasia went home with a bruised arm (pictured) after copping some special treatment from Hawthorn Hawks opponent Ben Stratton
According to the 2019 tribunal guidelines, pinching incurs a $1500 fine for a first time offence and up to $4000 for repeated offences.
Stratton's bizarre tactics to try and put Fantasia off his game didn't go unnoticed by the television cameras or commentators.
'It was pointed out at quarter-time, so they've had time enough to assess it ... and they (the umpires) still haven't acted on it,' North Melbourne legend and Fox Footy commentator David King said.
'They're asking for trouble... what, are we waiting for Fantasia to respond?
'You've got a chance to knock this on the head straight away.'
Channel Seven commentator Matthew Richardson believed the pinching was unnecessary.
Ben Stratton was caught on camera repeatedly pinching Orazio Fantasia during the game
'You can see the bruising there on Orazio's arm — and I am not sure why he did that tonight,' the Richmond Tigers legend said.
'He is a great defender as it is there is nothing to be gained by him doing it.
'He's the captain of the club and it's just unnecessary. I'm pretty sure he'll come out and say it was a bit of a brain fade.'
'I think he'll be embarrassed by it.'
Fellow commentator Cameron Ling agreed.
'I don't like it,' the former
