STEVEN May's sickening hit on Stefan Martin has gone viral.

The Gold Coast defender's bump on the Brisbane Lions ruckman has received 3.2 million views on Facebook, reaching 8.4 million people.

As May awaits his fate, having been sent directly to the AFL Tribunal to have his case heard, vision of the incident is being seen around the world.

UK website Daily Mail went with the headline 'Out Cold!' describing the hit as 'one of the most brutal' seen in our code.

American site BroBible.com went harder, although got confused about exactly what sport it was from, declaring a "rugby player gets knocked out after vicious blindside hit".

On Sunday the 24-year-old issued a public apology.

"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."

It's the second time May has knocked out an opponent in a clash with the Suns' Queensland rivals.

Last season he was hit with a three-game ban for a high hit on Lions skipper Tom Rockliff.

It means he's set to face scrutiny in this case with an applicable bad record hanging over his head.

May's case will be heard at the AFL Tribunal on Tuesday evening. 

Below: How US newsagency site BroBible.com reported the May bump.