Support flogging for a violent reaction (8)
I believe the answer is:
backlash
'a violent reaction' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
'support flogging' is the wordplay.
'support' becomes 'back' (back is a kind of support).
'flogging' becomes 'lash'.
'back'+'lash'='BACKLASH'
'for' acts as a link.
(Other definitions for backlash that I've seen before include "negative comments?" , "Violent reaction to event, like reverse whip" , "Repercussion" , "Violent reaction to an event - using whip?" , "Sudden violent reaction to an action or situation" .)