Richmond spearhead Tom Lynch is facing at least a four-match suspension if found guilty of striking Adelaide defender Jordon Butts late in the second quarter on Sunday after he was sent straight to the AFL tribunal.

The match review officer rated his action intentional, high and severe, meaning he could be rubbed out for four or more matches under tribunal guidelines.

Tom Lynch did not have a good day out against the Crows on Sunday.Credit: AFL Photos

That Lynch is facing a lengthy ban is no surprise. In fact, there was enough activity at the MCG on Sunday to predict his volcanic, reportable eruption just before half-time: the key forward was also fined for engaging in a melee in the first quarter and for striking Butts in an earlier incident in the second term.

Tightly checked by Butts, the veteran’s frustration had been evident early.

He tapped Adelaide defender Josh Worrell’s head with his foot as the 24-year-old lay on the ground after Lynch spoiled his marking attempt. Worrell had drifted into the hole and Lynch made sure he spoiled the ball – as any good key forward would.

Lynch’s frustration began to translate into free kicks early in the second quarter when he held on to Butts as the ball left the Tigers’ forward line. He asked the umpire politely enough to watch the holding, his disappointment at not being paid a free kick obvious as he stood on the mark after conceding one.

Lynch wrestles with Crows Josh Worrell and Mark Keane.Credit: Getty Images

But whenever Lynch managed to separate........

© The Sydney Morning Herald