AFL Upholds Controversial Decision Amid North Melbourne’s Loss to Collingwood, Admits to Umpire Error
The AFL has upheld a contentious decision not to award North Melbourne a 50m penalty in the final minute of their close loss to Collingwood, acknowledging an umpire’s error preceding the incident. After Bailey Scott marked 70 metres from the goal, Collingwood’s Steele Sidebottom and Beau McCreery crossed the mark, believing Scott had played on or that Nick Daicos’s kick hadn’t traveled 15 metres. The umpire allowed them to retreat without penalty, causing widespread debate.
Analysis: AFL footy boss Laura Kane defended the decision, explaining the umpire’s choice to avoid penalizing the Magpies was correct. However, Kane admitted the real mistake was not calling play on when Scott stepped off his mark, leading to confusion among players.
North fans will have a right to be upset after this wasn't paid a 50m penalty in the final minute.
📺 Watch #AFLNorthPies LIVE on ch. 504 or stream on Kayo: https://t.co/c5VwhmeFbG
✍️ BLOG https://t.co/qYUWTlmvea
🔢 MATCH CENTRE https://t.co/5bspQpnfkd pic.twitter.com/rlleBDe6vR— Fox Footy (@FOXFOOTY) June 16, 2024
Kane’s Explanation: Kane highlighted the confusion caused by the umpire’s failure to make a clear call after Scott’s mark. She emphasized the need for prompt and clear communication to prevent similar incidents. The league aims to ensure umpires make immediate and accurate calls to avoid player confusion.
Score Review System Defense:Kane also defended the score review system’s failure to overturn a Jack Crisp goal that appeared touched, citing a lack of definitive evidence.
Petracca’s Ordeal: Melbourne’s Christian Petracca shared his traumatic experience following severe internal injuries sustained in a match against Collingwood. Petracca described his intense hospital stay and emergency surgery, highlighting the physical and mental challenges of recovery.
Christian Petracca received medical attention after this incident shortly before quarter time.
During the break, he was able to walk from the ground and has gone down to the rooms.#AFLPiesDees pic.twitter.com/Z9P6HynroY
— 7AFL (@7AFL) June 10, 2024
Cornes Criticizes Umpiring:Former player Kane Cornes criticized the perceived preferential treatment of Collingwood’s Nick Daicos by umpires. Cornes argued that Daicos benefits from a “superstar tax,” receiving more favorable calls, which he believes impacted North Melbourne’s chances in their recent game.
