Cassisi wasn’t impressed with the Carlton vice-captain. Source: News Corp Australia

Domenic Cassisi took to Twitter during Saturday’s clash between his old club and the Blues to bag the Carlton midfielder, sparking a storm on social media.

Watch Gibbs’ tackle in the video player above.

The Carlton vice-captain tackled Gray just before half-time at the MCG, knocking him out and forcing the 27-year-old to be stretchered off while wearing a neck brace.

Cassisi’s initial tweet drew some curt responses from those in the twittersphere.

The premiership-winning player was quick to defend himself, saying his comment was just a bit of light-hearted fun.

Robbie Gray is stretchered off after Bryce Gibbs’ tackle. Source: News Corp Australia

Gray’s exit wasn’t the only controversial talking point for the match, with some of the umpiring decisions also causing angst among Port supporters as their side went down in a thriller 110-106.

One of the Power’s favourite sons, premiership player Kane Cornes, also took to Twitter to blast the officiating.

Port took a mark inside their forward 50 in the dying moments of the match that would have given them the chance to snatch victory with a late kick at goal, but Brad Ebert’s kick was ruled to have been touched so the mark didn’t stand.

Young Blues’ star Patrick Cripps was outstanding with 31 possessions and 11 tackles in a gutsy, much-improved tackling performance in caretaker coach John Barker’s third game in charge.

Travis Boak nearly carried his side to a come-from-behind win with a huge final term and finished with 27 touches, while Chad Wingard kicked five goals.

Earlier, Port were off to a flyer with the first two goals of the game but Marc Murphy was impressive early with 10 first-quarter disposals as Carlton narrowed the margin to a point at the first break.

The Power needed a lift from their onball brigade and they received it, with Ollie Wines, Robbie Gray and Hartlett important as Port closed the gap to four points at half-time.

Gray’s absence was felt by the visitors, who conceded the first three goals of the third quarter.

Again, Port responded with goals to Colquhoun and Wingard, but the Blues snatched back the momentum to hold a 23-point lead at the last break.

Troy Menzel pushed the lead out to 29 points with the first goal of the final term but Port dug deep to launch another assault that so nearly paid dividends but for some late heroics from the Blues.

— with AAP