Dayne Zorko's former teammate rips Lions over 'embarrassing' move

Dayne Zorko's former teammate Dayne Beams has let rip at the Lions for still allowing the under-fire captain to retain his role at the club.

Melbourne's big win over Brisbane on Friday night was overshadowed by Zorko's 'mother' comment to Harrison Petty, that left the 22-year-old in tears at three-quarter-time.

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Zorko initially apologised after the siren when he was confronted by a number of Melbourne players.

Demons general manager of football Alan Richardson said the club was happy with Brisbane's response and were 'comfortable' with how it had been handled.

However, backlash to the comment has been fierce with many calling for Zorko to be stripped of his leadership role.

Zorko addressed the incident, on Wednesday, and said he had crossed the line.

However, former teammate Beams has blasted his former club for not stripping Zorko of the captaincy.

The former captain - who played 58 games for the club between 2015 and 2018 - took aim at Zorko and the Lions for not taking a harder stance.

"Really? You wondered what you said?" he wrote on Instagram.

"Embarrassing that he is still captain.

"Worst thing is I'm not even surprised."

Lions' Dayne Zorko apologises after backlash

On Wednesday, Zorko again apologised for his on-field comment and said he wish he could take it back.

"At some point, it was important for me to speak," Zorko told SEN's The Run Home.

"I apologised to Harrison on the final siren and obviously that apology still stands, my remorse still stands. If I could take it (the sledge) back, there's no doubt I would."

While admitting there was no excuse for what he said, Zorko was determined to point out players from both sides were dishing out some questionable sledging to one another.

"I want to get across that it was an intense game. Honestly, from the first bounce there was to-ing and fro-ing from both sides of the fence.

"Players across the field probably stepped up to the line all game, and I acknowledge that I certainly crossed that.

"I just reckon it's really important that Lions fans and fans in general understand that it wasn't just an unprovoked sledge, and it wasn't said in isolation."

Veteran AFL reporter Caroline Willson echoed Zorko's point and said his comment had come after the Brisbane player was subjected to "disgusting" sledges by Melbourne players.

However, she in no way condoned or justified Zorko's comment.

with AAP

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