Johnson red card 'out of character'
Australian co-captain Chris Johnson has admitted the incidents that led to his sending-off in yesterday's International Rules second Test were "so out of character".
The Brisbane Lion received his marching orders after swinging his right arm out at on-rushing Philip Jordan in a "coat hanger" tackle, 32 minutes into the 63-42 defeat for Ireland.
The incident left the Tyrone defender laid out on the Telstra Dome turf, and the reckless Johnson, who became embroiled in further fisticuffs with Matty Forde and Ciaran McManus, gave Cork referee Michael Collins little option but to reach for his red card.
While Australian coach Kevin Sheedy conceded that Johnson seemed "overcome" in the heat of the battle, the player himself, a three-time AFL Premiership winner and All-Australian, is facing possible suspension from next year's Series in Dublin.
The match review committee, comprising GAA and AFL officials, are due to study videos of the sending-off and other incidents from a bruising encounter in Melbourne.
The remorseful Johnson said afterwards: "I apologise to all my family and my friends for doing that sort of action - it was so out of character."
Forced to watch the remainder of the Test from the sidelines (although in International Rules, a sent-off player can be replaced) the 29-year-old added: "I didn't feel too good (watching on). All these guys are busting their arse and I'm just sitting there on the sidelines.
"It didn't sit too good with me."
Johnson's tackle drew anger from Ireland manager Pete McGrath, whose Series captain Padraic Joyce conceded that yesterday's clash was his eleventh and final International Rules Test match.
"For such a horrendous tackle, there has to be a penalty that is more meaningful and punitive for the team that has committed it," McGrath said.
