Michael Firrito has accepted a one-match ban for striking the Blues' Matthew Kreuzer on Saturday night.

The defender was handed a two-match sanction for the incident, but his penalty was reduced by accepting an early plea.

PRESS PLAY above to watch the incident | YouTube

The Match Review Panel's findings were as follows:
Michael Firrito, North Melbourne, has been charged with striking Matthew Kreuzer, Carlton, during the second quarter of the Round 18 match between North Melbourne and Carlton, played at Etihad Stadium on Saturday August 1, 2015.

In summary, he can accept a one-match sanction with an early plea.

Based on the video evidence available and a medical report from the Carlton Football Club, it was the view of the panel the incident should be classified as careless conduct with medium impact to the head. This offence was classified as a two-match sanction. The player has no applicable bad record. An early plea can reduce the penalty to a one-match sanction.