I've positioned myself as the counsel for the defence, I may as well continue as it's an enjoyable discussion.
Having played as a forward (~100 games at senior level) in a bad team, you find yourself constantly leading up at the ball carrier.
Invariably the ball would sail over my head by just enough that it was out of reach. I was a pretty slight kid back then, and played on man mountains (what are these guys eating?).
Defenders constantly filled my leading lanes tactically and if they hadn't made good position would run with the flight.
Now at this point as I'm steaming out with another guy on my tail I'm watching the ball.
You pick up the flight pretty quickly and determine it's going to go over, so I have a couple of choices with a defender coming at me front on :
1. I can bail out completely and cop the wrath of coaches, supporters, team mates.
2. I can raise my arms and open myself up to what I'd determine to be the most dangerous injury to me as I've removed any self protection.
3. I raise my arms and my knees knowing that it's going to cause damage.
4. I turn my body and try and make it as safe as it can be for both players.
Mind you this is all happening in a split second, you only see the defender in your peripheral vision and you have no idea what the idiot behind you is going to do as he's probably just using you as the guide for reading the flight. Most times they will push you forward making the impact worse.
As my career progressed, I reckon I went down that scale of options until I landed at 3 or 4 dependant on a few factors until I wised up and gave it away (mug's game).
My honest belief is Lynch was protecting himself in the first instance, Keath had to know there was a leading player there or he's completely clueless. Once they both realised the kick wasn't great they adjusted, Lynch left the ground and turned, Keath slowed up.
Personally I'm grateful Lynch went the shoulder brace and not the far more damaging knees up route (those up close are pretty yuk).
I expect him to be cleared, it was self preservation and probably the only option.
If he goes, expect more knees up Mother Brown as forwards will realise the turn option is removed.
In closing your honour, everyone who disagrees with this can get stuffed