The AFLUA condemns, in the strongest terms, the actions of those supporters who threw bottles and other objects at the umpires as they left the MCG following last night’s Preliminary Final. Umpiring finals football is an enormous responsibility, and the umpires met that challenge with skill and composure throughout an intensely contested match. There is no justification — ever — for responding to an umpiring decision, however it is viewed, with threatening behaviour.
AFLUA CEO Rob Kerr said:
“The umpires showed real courage to make the decisions they did in an incredibly fierce contest, executing their roles under intense pressure. For a section of the crowd to respond to a decision — made in real time — by throwing bottles at the umpires is indefensible. Umpires do their job to the very best of their ability, and they deserve to leave the ground safely regardless of the result. We hope that the AFL and the MCC can identify those responsible and ensure they face real consequences.”
We welcome the swift condemnation of this behaviour from the AFL, the Fans Association and many in the media. The AFLUA commends the umpires for the courage and professionalism they have shown throughout this finals series.