Carlton coach Mick Malthouse says he’ll be surprised if Blues’ fans hurl abuse at St Kilda’s controversial small forward Stephen Milne in their AFL round-16 clash on Saturday night.

Milne has returned to the side for the game at Etihad Stadium after serving a club suspension.

The two-time All-Australian was stood down two days after being charged with four counts of rape relating to an alleged incident in 2004 and has missed the last three games.

“I’d be very surprised at any adverse reaction. I don’t know why it needs to come to that,” Malthouse told reporters on Friday.

“I can’t determine that. I don’t get in the grandstand and barrack.

“So how it works, I don’t know.

“I’m sure that when the siren goes, he’s a 33-year-old player, he’s played for a long time. I don’t think it’s going to be bothering him too much.

“All I say is it’s a game of football. Let’s do it proud.”

Milne has, however, spoken earlier this year about how he shouldn’t have to put up with some of the shocking verbal abuse he receives from rival fans.

Malthouse said he had no objection to Milne returning to the field of play.

“He’s not the only player on a charge in the AFL at the moment,” Malthouse said.

“I’m very comfortable with him playing.

“If the AFL sanctions anyone to play football and the club wants to play him, there’s no reason at all why I see players shouldn’t be able to play the game.

“If the sanction comes from the AFL or the club, well they make a decision.

“We left out, on very strong advice from the AFL, Heath Scotland for two games.

“It’s a totally different set of circumstances because Heath had gone to court.

“I don’t believe in double penalties but that’s how it worked out.”