'Absolute disgrace': AFL world erupts over 'horrible' momentau.sports.yahoo.com
9 August 2020AFL fans and commentators erupted in anger on Saturday over what many labelled the worst umpiring decision of the season.
Port Adelaide fans threatened to “tear the place down” at Adelaide Oval after back-to-back umpiring howlers cost them against Richmond.
Early in the tense encounter, Richmond’s Jack Riewoldt was awarded a free kick for what the umpire deemed interference from Port defender Tom Clurey.
However Dustin Martin had clearly shoved Clurey into Riewoldt, causing the collision.
Port Adelaide fans exploded in anger as Riewoldt kicked the ensuing goal, and commentators couldn’t help but agree.
“Oh, I thought it was a free kick against Dustin Martin,” Dwayne Russell said on Fox Footy.
“He gave one of the best shoves you’ve ever seen, Dustin Martin … this is an extraordinary decision.
“That’s a horrible decision, just a horrible decision.”
Port fans felt they were dudded again moments later when Riewoldt appeared to get away with holding the ball, only for Martin to play on and kick another goal.
“They are going berserk over there at Adelaide Oval,” Eddie McGuire said on Fox Footy.
“It’s madness over there. Twice in a row now, Port Adelaide … have been absolutely murdered by the umpiring.”
Fans and commentators also took to social media to slam the standard of umpiring.
“Is Dustin Martin the most protected player in the game? What a farce. That is an absolute disgrace,” sports journalist Jack Hudson tweeted.
Sydney Swans champion Jude Bolton posted: “Port fans sounding like they will torch the Adelaide Oval with the umpiring going against them inside the lie defensive 50.”
Journalist Craig Cook posted: “The umpiring is the biggest story of the AFL 2020 season - beyond inept.
“Teams should be allowed a video review for a shocking decision like that one with the Martin push.”
Footy legend Graham Cornes wrote: “Port Adelaide definitely shafted by three incomprehensible decisions or maybe that’s non-decisions”, while journo Vince Rugari labelled it an “absolute stitch up”.
https://au.sports.yahoo.com/afl-2020-fans-erupt-disgraceful-umpiring-controversy-221108037.html