Jacob Van Rooyen's striking suspension upheld at AFL tribunal despite outcry from former players

The tribunal says Jacob Van Rooyen should have known that by spoiling in this manner, he would have likely hit Charlie Ballard in the head. (Getty Images: Albert Perez)

Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin has criticised the AFL tribunal's decision to uphold Jacob van Rooyen's two-match ban, describing the decision as a challenge to the fabric of the game.

It was a mixed bag during a marathon five-and-a-half-hour session at the tribunal on Tuesday night.