Gawn said it was “flattening” to be told by Melksham and May of their involvement in the bust-up on Monday morning.

“I think it’s just a bad example, definitely,” Gawn said. “And those two boys are very remorseful in what they did and what they were able to do at Entrecote but in the end violence is not the answer, violence is never the answer.”

May has been handed a one-game ban by the Demons for drinking while under concussion protocols, and he and Melksham must complete community service.

Gawn said teammates at dinner should have challenged May for consuming alcohol in breach of team rules.

“That’s certainly disappointing,” Gawn said. “That there was a group of six or seven there. And Steven was drinking with them and I’ve spoken to all parties involved and especially the five guys outside of Steve and Jake. And I express my disappointment.

“Obviously, it’s a difficult situation and anytime the guy’s one of the older leaders of the football club, but we expect our young guys to be able to lead as well and that really was disappointing.

“And we expect Steve to be able to make the decisions himself at the age he’s in and the experience that he’s had so it was disappointing.”

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Gawn defended the Demons’ decision not to suspend Melksham for his role in the fight, saying community service was an appropriate response.

“Community service is something that can give back to the community,” Gawn said. “A one-week match penalty we didn’t think was suitable for the act that happened.

“Yeah, it’s a horrible act, wrestling at a restaurant in the public both being well-known people in the community. It’s a horrible act, but they can give back through community service ... not to mention the public shame that they both have in the stories coming out left, right, and centre.”

Though top of the ladder after 12 rounds, the Dees’ premiership defence is in rough waters after back-to-back defeats and the fallout from the restaurant blue.

“The wheels haven’t fallen off. I’m completely comfortable with where we are from a performance point of view,” Gawn said.

The AFL’s integrity department has been liaising with Melbourne and is satisfied with how the club has handled the aftermath.

While May said he and Melksham were still mates, Gawn said it would take time for the pair’s friendship to heal.

“It’s one of the great arts and leadership and I’m really excited about the challenge,” Gawn said. “I’m not gonna lie, I’ve been embarrassed the last few days.

“I’ve got no doubt that Melky and Maysy have worked it out and are working it out, but it’s probably not an overnight thing. They had an altercation that probably will go on for a couple of weeks making sure that they mend that friendship.”

Melksham required surgery after his hand became infected following his fight with May.

The Demons confirmed he will be unavailable for selection in the VFL and said the club was embarrassed about Sunday night’s incident.

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Football manager Alan Richardson said it was disappointing in a Melbourne statement on Wednesday morning.

“Jake performed really strongly at VFL level last weekend and it’s disappointing to not have him available for selection this week,” Richardson said.

“What is more disappointing is that the injury keeping him out of the frame for selection is a result of the altercation Jake was involved in on Sunday evening.

“As a footy club we are deeply embarrassed by the events of Sunday and Jake and Steven understand that they have let our club, their teammates and our members down.

“I want to make it very clear that as a club, we do not condone violence of any manner, and the fact that our players allowed any disagreement to escalate to a physical level is completely unacceptable.”

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