THE AFL Commission and the AFL Players' Association are at odds over the treatment of Stephen Milne, after the veteran Saint was stood down indefinitely over rape allegations.
The small forward was this week charged with rape over an alleged incident in 2004.
At a meeting of the Saints' board on Tuesday night, it was decided that Milne would be retained as a listed player, but would spend an indefinite period on the sidelines.
After a commission meeting in Melbourne late on Wednesday, League boss Andrew Demetriou said he supported St Kilda's stance on the issue.
"This is a very serious matter,'" Mr Demetriou said.
"The AFL welcomes the decision to subject the allegations to legal scrutiny as no player is above the law.
"The AFL acknowledges the importance of the presumption of innocence in this case and also the need to treat the complainant with respect and understanding.
"In addition to the actions taken by the club, the AFL will monitor the case and reserves the right to take action under its rules in the event of further information coming to light, or any further developments."
Demetriou also said the League had restricted Milne's AFL and club promotional and developmental duties.
Earlier, the AFLPA said it was "deeply concerned" at St Kilda's decision to impose an indefinite leave of absence on Milne.
"The AFL Players' Association is deeply concerned by the decision announced by the St Kilda board this afternoon regarding an imposed leave of absence on Stephen Milne," AFLPA CEO Matt Finnis said.
"We understand the seriousness of the charges, and sensitivity to all parties concerned, but remind the industry and wider community that in our society all members have the right to the presumption of innocence, which is integral to our system of justice.
"The St Kilda board's position today in our view, sets a dangerous precedent on how our industry deals with a matter that is yet to be dealt with by the court.
"We don't consider the decision genuinely reflects a commitment to a player and his family as much as it does other interests of a club.
"We look forward to learning more about how the club intends to manage its acknowledged duty of care to Stephen, and the criteria which will be used to determine his return to the playing field in coming weeks."
A statement from St Kilda, released on Wednesday afternoon, said the club's decision had been made, "… in the best interests of all parties concerned, and the duty of care the club has to Stephen and his family."
Milne is due to appear in the Melbourne Magistrates' Court on July 5.
