Several contentious umpiring decisions have sent social media into uproar after Geelong’s two-point win over Port Adelaide at Simonds Stadium.
With his side holding a narrow lead with just a couple of minutes remaining, Port forward Charlie Dixon was called to play on for exceeding his 30 second limit while lining up for goal.
Twitter was not impressed.
Dixon not back on his feet after being smashed in the marking contest and the clock is already at 23 seconds #unfair #AFLCatsPower pic.twitter.com/fQ1IWeYPBS
— Ryan (@ryan_smithy) May 25, 2017
The play on call on Dixon was harsh, though can be technically justified. Would this happen to a home team with 2 min left? #AFLCatsPower
— Jake Niall (@JakeNiallFOX) May 25, 2017
That Dixon decision. Disgrace. Can’t remember that rule being enforced. Ever. Of course an AFL apology won’t change result #AFLCatsPower
— Tom Wilson (@TomWilsonFOX) May 25, 2017
Dixon was called on at 30 seconds.
Zach Touhy had 33 secs between when ball returned to him and he kicked it #AFLCatsPower
— Rick Edwards (@BomberRicko) May 25, 2017
According to the experts, the decision was actually correct.
Umps nailed the Dixon play on call though. He only has to take his first step by the time the shot clock hits zero. Hadn’t moved by then
— Jon Ralph (@RalphyHeraldSun) May 25, 2017
The issue with Dixon call isn’t that it’s wrong , the issue is that players are given leniency 99% of the time in situation. #AFLCatPower
— Cameron Luke (@camluke) May 25, 2017
After Patrick Dangerfield kicked what turned out to be the winning goal, this Robbie Gray non-decision also raised eyebrows.
#nofreekickportadelaide ?? pic.twitter.com/j4JOmmNqts
— Thunda Power (@plugger75) May 25, 2017
Pretty close to a free kick for Gray there? #AFLCatsPower
— Rohan Connolly (@rohan_connolly) May 25, 2017
People have ended up pregnant with less intimate contact than what Robbie Grey received in that last quarter.
— Nicole (@pickle2401) May 25, 2017
And there were others, including Tom Hawkins not being pinged for holding the ball near the end of the game.
@tomrehn9 @TomWilsonFOX Agree. Free kick earlier against Dixon and Hawkins non holding the ball also suds. Trengove miss massive too
— Julian de Stoop (@JDESTOOP80_FOX) May 25, 2017
How is that not holding the ball against Hawkins? Embarrassing home town umpiring At least Richo has courage to say it, not like the others
— Jason W ? (@JRW1973) May 25, 2017
Dixon decision looked right but free against him earlier, Gray being scragged and Hawkins not being pinged for holding the ball… stiff
— Julian de Stoop (@JDESTOOP80_FOX) May 25, 2017
Free kicks 26-17 to the Cats. Free kick counts don’t mean everything but the Hawkins non-holding call, lots of 50-50s…
— Jon Ralph (@RalphyHeraldSun) May 25, 2017
This umpiring is a disgrace. No other word for it #AFLCatsPower
— Smokie Dawson (@smokiedawson) May 25, 2017
They, ahh…probably won’t be happy in Adelaide about a couple of those late calls ? #AFLCatsPower
— Daniel Garb (@DanielGarb) May 25, 2017
Joel Selwood was, as usual, also a focal point for the anger of some fans.
How is this not in the back or holding the man? #AFLCatsPower #protectedspecies pic.twitter.com/9QDLOCL5id
— David van V (@aussiedutchman) May 25, 2017
The Selwood Holy Trinity:
Dropping the knees
Shrugging the tackle high
Throwing the head back#Amen #AFLCatsPower pic.twitter.com/MG95pF2ze0— Boba Khan (@Deyterkmahjerb) May 25, 2017
Although, maybe this was really Port’s issue.
Port always struggle away from Shanghai. #AFLCatsPower
— Titus O’Reily (@TitusOReily) May 25, 2017
