GOLD Coast vice-captain Steven May has formally apologised to Stefan Martin for the brutal head-high bump that left the Brisbane Lions ruckman unconscious on Saturday night.

The 24-year-old Suns defender will come under the Match Review Panel's scrutiny after being reported for rough conduct, and is likely to receive a substantial suspension.

Martin was taken off the ground on a stretcher, but did not have to be taken to hospital.

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Despite approaching Martin during the traditional post-game handshake, May said he contacted the Lions ruckman again on Sunday to apologise.

"I'm very remorseful that in the heat of the game I overstepped the mark, I am disappointed in my actions and for that I apologise to Stefan," May said in a statement.

"Fortunately after the game last night I had the chance to speak with Stefan and apologised to him directly. And again this morning, I made contact with Stefan to check up on him and we have since exchanged messages."

The incident was not the first time May had knocked out an opponent in a QClash.

In May last year, May served a three-match ban for his high hit on Lions skipper Tom Rockliff after unsuccessfully contesting the rough conduct charge at the Tribunal.

This means May has an applicable bad record that would increase any suspension by one game.

AFL.com.au's Tribunal expert Nathan Schmook expects May to receive the most severe penalty to date this season, eclipsing the four-game ban handed to GWS forward Jeremy Cameron for his late hit on young Lion Rhys Mathieson in the NAB Challenge.

The MRP will deliver its findings on Monday afternoon.