obvious cheap shot [scratch to the neck] by their player is asking too much."
Yes, Emery reacted, which people sometimes do in the heat of the moment, and he shouldn't have if he were as good of a person as you, who is clearly appalled. Or perhaps you're not appalled because you know there is a possibility that you could have reacted the same way in the heat of the moment. I'm not excusing Emery, so stop excusing your player and coach for their actions and overreactions.