Thousands Of Angry Collingwood Fans Demand AFL Grand Final Review
More than 3,700 Collingwood fans have signed a petition demanding the AFL review an umpiring decision that they claim cost them the Premiership.
Saturday's thrilling Grand Final saw the West Coast Eagles narrowly edge the Collingwood Magpies 11.13 (79) to 11.8 (74) to claim the 2018 Premiership, but a number of contentious umpiring decisions have prompted Collingwood fans to call for a review.
It's of "serious concern by the football public" and "especially supporters of the Collingwood Football Club", said petition lead Rod Craven.
He points to three examples of umpiring decisions which he claims were proven incorrect by footage.
According to Craven, West Coast star Dom Sheed's mark, which led to the match-winning goal, should not have counted as Collingwood defender Brayden Maynard was being "illegally blocked".
It "should have been paid as a free kick to Maynard as it was considered an act of interference which allowed the West Coast player to goal," said Craven.
"The decision should
have then allowed Maynard possession to clear the ball and in so doing the goal to West Coast would not have eventuated, giving them a final score of 11.8 for the game."
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Craven also took issue with two other umpiring decisions, both of which went to video replay, later being decided in West Coast's favour.
"We as Collingwood supporters, as well as most of the general public feel that a grand final should be allowed to be won on merit, and not be awarded as the result of poor umpiring and biases toward clubs and particular players held by the governing body," he concluded.
"We DEMAND that the decisions made on Saturday the 29th Sept be overhauled and reviewed in their entirety, and that either the result reversed, or the game declared a no-result and replayed in its entirety at a future date.
"Failure to act on this will effect in a vote of no confidence in the AFL administration, the umpiring panel, and the competition in general."
More than 3,700 people have since signed the petition.
The AFL has not responded to the demands, but online, the reaction is humorous at best.
Contact the author: abrucesmith@networkten.com.au
Photo: AAP