Hawthorn forward Jack Ginnivan was gifted a goal after Carlton conceded a 50-metre penalty in a decision that has been slammed as a “disgrace” by fans and commentators alike.
Controversial Call in First Quarter
Midway through the first quarter, Ginnivan marked the ball 50 metres from goal. With rain bucketing down, the crafty forward had little chance of making the distance. He patiently waited for a teammate to run around the back, and when Blake Hardwick obliged, Ginnivan faked a handball. Carlton star Adam Cerra came off the mark in response.
Experienced umpire Matt Stevic appeared to say “play on”, but as Cerra moved to put pressure on Ginnivan, the umpire stopped play and awarded a 50-metre penalty. Ginnivan happily marched to the goal line to kick the easiest of majors.
Replays Show Confusion
Replays showed Stevic clearly signalling play on with his arms and also can be heard saying “play”, but despite that he still paid the penalty. The decision left many baffled.
Outrage from AFL Greats and Fans
“That’s a disgrace,” AFL great Jack Riewoldt said on Fox Footy. Fans were equally furious at the call. “Ump too proud to admit he made a mistake. How can you call play on and ping a player for following you?” one fan posted. “Worst decision of the year,” another added. “How can you call play on then pay a 50?” another said. “Not even a Carlton supporter but that’s the most rigged thing I’ve ever seen,” said another.
However, among the outrage, there were a few fans who backed the umpire. “When has feigning a handball ever been play on. He hasn’t come off the line and the man on the mark has come off it. Umpires called play on cause he assumed a handball and fixed his mistake,” one supporter argued.
More to come as the fallout from this controversial decision continues.
