Finally the media are having a look………
THE UMPIRING AT THE MCG ON SUNDAY
Richmond supporters were livid. They had every right to be. The free kick count was 20-11, but that wasn’t the problem. The problem was the number of free kicks umpires didn’t pay when it appeared the Tigers had earnt them. Time and again, the Tigers would lay a tackle and not be rewarded for incorrect disposal. Salt was added to the wound when the Dockers, at times, received free kicks for incorrect disposal by the Tigers. Once again, confusion reigned about what exactly is prior opportunity. The more cynical Tigers supporter would say ‘what’s new’. Over the past five years, Richmond’s differential between free kicks for and free kicks against is -332. The next worst side is Hawthorn on -108. How can that properly be explained? Is there a vendetta? Or are the Tigers just sloppy or too aggressive with their tackling? If this was politics, a Royal Commission would be demanded. And if this was politics, we’d love Tigers officials to have parliamentary privilege so we could hear what they really think.