St Kilda defender Nathan Brown reported after late off-ball hit on Bomber speedster Adam Saad

Tempers have flared between Essendon and St Kilda after a late hit from Saints defender Nathan Brown left Bomber speedster Adam Saad floored.

The incident occurred in the first term of a closely contested clash as Brown appeared to intentionally level out Saad after he had disposed of the ball to Anthony McDonald Tipungwuti.

Brown was immediately placed on report for the incident, which once again brought the AFL's red card debate to the fore. 

The brutal hit resulted in Saad being stretchered off the ground and sidelined for the remainder of the game, bringing the Bombers down to just two rotations after veteran defender Brendan Goddard limped off with a knee injury early in the game.

Following the hit, Brown was widely condemned on social media for his actions.

The incident also caused fans to be split over whether Browns hit would constitute a red card sending off given the fact that the Bombers lost a man for the remainder of the contest.