Advertisement

Footy fans slam MRO decision to clear Sam Menegola

AFL match review officer Michael Christian has earned the wrath of football fans after his decision to clear Geelong’s Sam Menegola over contact with Sam Rowe.

Menegola tackled Rowe in the second quarter of the Cats’ win over the Blues and then went on with it as he stood up.

The 26-year-old shoved Rowe into the ground, attempted two blows towards his head and then pushed his leg into the back of his neck area.

“Rowe has hold of Menegola’s arm as the Geelong player tries to get up, to return to play,” the AFL match review statement explained.

“Menegola seeks to free himself and in getting to his feet, contact is primarily made between the Geelong player’s shin and Rowe’s back.

Ugly stuff. Pic: Fox Sports
Ugly stuff. Pic: Fox Sports

“It was the view of the Match Review Officer the action did not constitute a reportable offence. No further action was taken.”

Fans were unimpressed, with some calling on AFL football boss Steve Hocking to consider an appeal: