'That's too harsh': Rushed behind rule causes more controversy
The AFL's deliberate rushed behind rule has caused controversy yet again after Richmond's David Astbury was pinged against Melbourne.
In the first quarter of the Monday night clash, Astbury was tracking back on a long Demons kick when he tapped the ball towards his own goal before fumbling it over the line.
INCREDIBLE: Richmond erase big deficit to go 5-0
MATCH CENTRE: Richmond v Melbourne
The umpire immediately pinged him for a deliberate rushed behind, with Jesse Hogan slotting a goal from the ensuing free kick.
"Any time the umpire thinks you can take possession of the ball and keep the ball in play they're going to pay it against you," Hawthorn's Luke Hodge said in commentary.
"There was no pressure(on Astbury) and the umpire wants to see you keep the ball in play.
"As much as the supporters hate it, I reckon it's the best thing for the game."
Cameron Ling agreed with the call but thought they penalty didn't fit the crime.
"Is that too harsh a penalty though, a guaranteed goal?" Ling asked.
"I agree that is deliberate but a certain goal is too harsh for me."
Fans were also divided on social media:
Right decision by the umpire. Clear deliberate. #afltigersdees
— Brad Klibansky (@BradKlibansky) April 24, 2017
I'm still staggered that the deliberate rule differs either side of the point post. Should be the same all around the ground #afltigersdees
— Matt (@Mattys123) April 24, 2017
The punishment should always be the same for a deliberate behind,wether u tap it throo next to the pt post or center of goals #afltigersdees
— gloveswashere (@Gloves78) April 24, 2017
#afltigersdees that is the worst rule in football. #deliberate
— johnhuntphotography (@JohnHunt57) April 24, 2017
Astbury deliberate rushed behind only one so far that's 💯% correct under new rule. No pressure & no attempt to keep in play! #afltigersdees
— Archie Bañez (@ABanez_31) April 24, 2017
AFL due to inconsistencies will never get Deliberate Rule right? #AFLTigersDees
— Talking Horse (@Mister_Ed_) April 24, 2017
That's deliberate every day of the week (inc Mondays). #afltigersdees
— Dave Hughes (@DHughesy) April 24, 2017
@3AWisfootball Think the penalty for deliberate rushed behind should be the same for a kick out infring. - Ball up at the top of the square #AFLTigersDees
— Matt Ingham (@Mingham40) April 24, 2017
@KylieT23 @ChrisBonfa I agree it is a deliberate rush, and it should be penalised. Set shot from the square is way too harsh
— Brandon Hanson (@bjbrandon40) April 24, 2017