MATCH Review Panel chairman Mark Fraser has labelled Chris Judd's misconduct offence against North Melbourne's Leigh Adams 'unsportsmanlike.'

The MRP referred Judd's offence directly to the tribunal after considering whether to grade it as rough conduct or misconduct.

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"We had a discussion amongst the panel about whether it was rough conduct or misconduct and we decided this would probably be best served under misconduct," Fraser told AFL.com.au.

"We thought it was unsportsmanlike in nature. It has the potential to bring the game into disrepute so we thought it would be better served by sending it straight to the tribunal for a verdict."

Fraser said the MRP seriously considered grading Judd's report but said its unique nature meant it was more appropriate to refer it directly to the tribunal.

"We certainly did (consider grading it) but we thought this wasn't conduct that was covered under the table of offences particularly well so there are other acts of misconduct in the table such as stomping or pinching and spitting," he said.

Adams was forced to leave the ground with a shoulder injury after Judd pulled at his arm. He returned shortly after but re-injured the shoulder later in the game.

Fraser said North Melbourne's medical report played some part in determining the severity of the case.

"Obviously the medical we take into consideration. In this case there has been an exacerbation of an injury and he did have to go from the ground and get treated by the medical staff," he said.

"We thought there was enough force in there for something to be done about it."

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