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.
“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:
Manifestly inadequate, surely @AFL?
— Matt Walsh (@MattWalshMedia) May 28, 2018
This is ridiculous…
MRP is just trolling now— Matt Thomas (@MattThomas1405) May 28, 2018
So Patrick it’s the AFL’s belief that a player can kick another player while on the ground after dropping an elbow as long as said kick is with the shin and to his back?? Yep that’s a great example to set the kids. Hey don’t lightly tap an umpire but go crazy shining in the back
— Pauly r (@Progut) May 28, 2018
@AFL If you are serious about the integrity of the competition you will challenge this decision. What a pathetic explanation from Christian.
— Dave C (@roodog2006) May 28, 2018
Unbelievable wow
— OB (@Africana135) May 28, 2018
HAHAHAHA!!!!! You are joking right? Give it away Michael Christian, he should be sacked from his position as MRO.
— Matthew (@mcoz_410) May 28, 2018
About as laughable as it gets. Do they actually look at the vision?
— Anne Harris (@AnneHar95645887) May 28, 2018
Now for the @AFL appeal this.
— Ricky Marsden (@rickymarzdn) May 28, 2018
Reckon it fails the pub test #justsaying
— Tom O’Connor (@Tomocca08) May 28, 2018