Football fans mock Melbourne’s ‘shameful’ tribute to Angus Brayshaw after AFL Demons star’s shock retirement

Melbourne paid tribute to former teammate Angus Brayshaw on Thursday night, but some fans were less than impressed with the club’s gesture.

Brayshaw, 28, informed the football club last month that he would be retiring from the sport, with immediate effect, due to a concussion he suffered in last year’s AFL final.

Brayshaw suffered a concussion after Collingwood defender Brayden Maynard attempted to smother the Demons midfielder’s kick in the first quarter of the qualifying final.

Maynard escaped suspension for the controversial hit, which divided the football world and led the AFL to change its choking rules.

“I am devastated that I can no longer play the game I love, but I respect the verdict of the medical professionals and the importance of putting my health before my career,” Brayshaw said.

“Concussion is a huge problem facing our game.”

And ahead of their first game without the dominant midfielder, Max Gawn and his team remembered Brayshaw before taking to the SCG pitch.

His iconic helmet was hanging from what appeared to be a nail or light switch, and players slapped him as they left the sheds.

But some fans found the tribute a little peculiar.

—Are they showing how he suffered a concussion? asked a fan.

Another said: “This is so embarrassing lol.”

A third added: “No wonder they had to retreat if they’re used to hitting the helmet like that.”

The midfielder retired from football last month due to concussion problems.

“Hang your helmet off the light switch,” another fan noted. ‘Surely you can think of a better way to honor you (sic) mate.’

“Maxy’s trying to give him a delayed concussion,” said a fifth fan.

Melbourne lost their first game of the season 12.14 (86) – 9.10 (64) to the Swans.