Gold Coast's Christian Petracca says he was a "bit too passionate" when addressing teammate Leo Lombard in a fiery manner during the fourth term of Saturday's loss to Carlton.
Petracca was visibly frustrated with Lombard and was demonstrative with his feedback. The young Sun returned serve during the interaction, telling the veteran to 'f*** off' after he got caught holding the ball in a forward 50 stoppage.
“I think for me, reflecting on that moment, I was probably a bit too passionate with my feedback,” Petracca said to the Herald Sun.
“Obviously it was the fourth quarter, the heat of the moment, and we were losing at the time. I should have said it in a more constructive way.
“That can be difficult during the game, but I have got nothing but love for Leo. He's like a little brother to me.
“He's an amazing player. It's only his second year, but I think all of us hold each other to really high standards across the team.
“He's incredibly competitive and obviously passionate too. But we all learn to accept and give feedback, and that's something as a leader I need to keep improving.”
Gold Coast has suffered nine consecutive defeats and has been bundled out of premiership contention.
