Shocking new details emerge on Melbourne Demons fight involving Steven May and Jake Melksham

‘It was a brawl’: Shocking new details shed light on Melbourne Demons fight – as it’s revealed Steven May ‘abused SEVERAL of his teammates’ before Jake Melksham punched him

  • Steven May allegedly abused a number of his Demons teammates last Sunday
  • May was said to be drunk and his ‘banter’ crossed the line in the eyes of many
  • Later stepped outside from swanky restaurant, was thumped by Jake Melksham
  • Following the incident, questions have been raised about the club’s culture 

Melbourne Demons defender Steven May allegedly abused a number of his teammates in a swanky restaurant before drunkenly stepping outside to ‘brawl’ with Jake Melksham.

May, 30, was drinking heavily at the Entrecote in Prahran last Sunday night – and with the beers flowing, the All-Australian fullback’s banter crossed the line as he targeted several fellow Demons.

When May had a go at Joel Smith – the luckless defender who was firming to play in last year’s AFL preliminary final versus Geelong only to tweak his hamstring at training – Melksham stepped in.

The gathering quickly descended into chaos, with Melksham, a one-time amateur boxer, thumping May out on the street in full view of the public.

Melksham won’t play in Monday’s blockbuster against Collingwood at the MCG after having surgery to clean up an infection in his hand following the ‘disagreement’ with May – who has been stood down by the club’s leadership group for one game.

Both will be forced to do community work. 

Melbourne Demons defender Steven May (pictured) allegedly abused a number of his teammates in a swanky restaurant last Sunday before drunkenly stepping outside to ‘brawl’ with Jake Melksham

When Steven May targeted Joel Smith (pictured) - the luckless defender who was firming to play in last year's AFL preliminary final versus Geelong only to tweak his injury at training - Jake Melksham stepped in

When Steven May targeted Joel Smith (pictured) – the luckless defender who was firming to play in last year’s AFL preliminary final versus Geelong only to tweak his injury at training – Jake Melksham stepped in

Publicly, the club said May won’t play versus the Magpies after he broke team rules by drinking when he was out with concussion – but behind closed doors it is understood the playing group pushed for a suspension.

An apologetic May later stated he was ‘extremely disappointed’ at his behaviour, and acknowledged he had ‘let down a lot of people down at the footy club.’

He also stated his friendship with Melksham remains firmly intact, and that he is now looking to move on from his ‘error of judgement.’

Fox Footy’s Mark Robinson later dismissed talk from Demons officials that it was a ‘scuffle’ – he instead labelled the incident a ‘brawl’ that was witnessed by at least five other teammates.

Jake Melksham (pictured middle) won't play in Monday's blockbuster against Collingwood at the MCG after having surgery to clean up an infection in his hand following his 'disagreement' with Steven May at a fancy restaurant on Sunday

Jake Melksham (pictured middle) won’t play in Monday’s blockbuster against Collingwood at the MCG after having surgery to clean up an infection in his hand following his ‘disagreement’ with Steven May at a fancy restaurant on Sunday

Entrecote - the scene of the public 'brawl' - is regarded as one of Melbourne's premier restaurants, with set menus just under $100 per person

Entrecote – the scene of the public ‘brawl’ – is regarded as one of Melbourne’s premier restaurants, with set menus just under $100 per person

‘I think Melbourne supporters have every right to think they (club) have underplayed this,’ he said.

‘So (Melksham’s) punched someone in the mouth and (May’s) tooth has opened up his hand. It’s not ideal.’

Robinson went onto state that ‘basically (Jake) Melksham assaulted (Steven) May’ after punching him in the face – and if police investigated they could deem the incident an assault.

He also believes the AFL Integrity Unit ‘should look into’ what unfolded. 

Captain Max Gawn told reporters he has been ’embarrassed’ this week by the public conduct of his teammates and it further emphasised just how important respect is among the playing group.

He also revealed that May’s slur to Melksham, where he allegedly stated ‘if you had played in the granny (grand final), we would have lost’ didn’t happen.

Both players told their skipper that brutal exchange was fabricated by the media.