The Geelong Football Umpires League lodges complaint over Steve Johnson’s comments on Triple M

Twenty four hours after the Geelong Football Umpires League lodged an official complaint about a local coach’s on-air comments, both have come together for a “positive” discussion.

Newtown & Chilwell coach Steve Johnson Picture: Mark Wilson

The Geelong Football Umpires League has met with Newtown & Chilwell coach Steve Johnson, less than 24 hours after it lodged an official complaint about the AFL legend’s on-air comments.

The umpiring body took issue with comments made during Johnson’s Triple M commitments on Sunday before the two parties came together on Monday night.

When asked about the quality of umpiring during the game, Johnson said: “We’ll have to revisit the tape and find out whether I ... I wouldn’t mind knowing a little bit more about the umpires’ background, that’s all I’d say.”

Former Western Bulldogs and Richmond player and Triple M colleague, Nathan Brown, then asked: “Was there queries who they belonged to and what allegiances they had?”

“Not from me, but potentially from some other people around me,” Johnson replied.

Two of the central umpires had played football previously at the Dragons.

However, 24 hours after the complaint was lodged, GFUL welfare director Josh Brown met with Johnson and his coaching staff for a fruitful discussion.

“It was a good to go down and meet with Steve and his coaching staff to discuss the game from the weekend, we watched a few clips and I was able to explain our process when paying free kicks and why we may miss some with positioning,” Brown said.

“I found it to be a really positive, respectful and engaging meeting and something well worth doing for the umpire and the club, there was certainly some decisions from Saturday that I think Steve had every right to question including my own decisions.

“We don’t always get them right but I think engaging with clubs to discuss these is enabling us to improve along with the open self evaluation piece with the club as we are always striving for better performances”

However, Brown told this masthead on Monday night the GFUL was not intending to withdraw its complaint.

EARLIER

The Geelong Football Umpires League has lodged an official complaint regarding comments Newtown & Chilwell coach Steve Johnson made on Triple M on Sunday about local umpiring.

In an email to AFL Barwon regional manager Lisa Patterson on Sunday night, GFUL welfare director Josh Brown referred to the remarks made by the three-time premiership-winning Cat following the Eagles’ match against Bell Park on Saturday.

In his email, Brown said Johnson had approached umpires at three quarter time at Hamlyn Park and made comments about opposing players “ducking”.

“He was not abusive,” Brown said.

“However, I’d question whether his comments were appropriate or non-offensive.

“My group chose to engage as his approach didn’t warrant further intervention, and there was an opportunity to engage respectfully.

“My group, given its experience thought this was appropriate.”

Newtown & Chilwell coach Steve Johnson. Picture: Mark Wilson

However, on Sunday on Triple M, when asked about the quality of umpiring during the game, Johnson said: “We’ll have to revisit the tape and find out whether I ... I wouldn’t mind knowing a little bit more about the umpires’ background, that’s all I’d say.”

Former Western Bulldogs and Richmond player and Triple M colleague, Nathan Brown, then asked: “Was there queries who they belonged to and what allegiances they had?”

“Not from me, but potentially from some other people around me,” Johnson replied.

Newtown & Chilwell Football Club declined to comment.

Josh Brown, whose father Rodney is president of Bell Park Cricket Club, and played junior footy with the Dragons 18 years ago, said the comments were not acceptable.

Meanwhile, one of the central umpires also previously played reserves footy for the Dragons.

“The time for these comments is done, clubs should get their own backyard in place before they start being critical of my members,” Brown said.

Field umpire Josh Brown. Picture: Alan Barber

“The Geelong Umpires (Football League) is done, I still cannot believe integrity is questioned.

“If (Johnson) wishes to question our integrity, which I have no doubt he has done, then I’d hope AFL Barwon would contact him and advise him of the background of the umpires who officiated that game.

“I think if they look back at the last five years of grand finals and overall contribution of that panel then I’d mark his comments in a public forum as unjust, unfair and very untruthful and somewhat reflective of the disrespect that my members face each weekend.”

An AFL Barwon spokesperson said it had received correspondence “regarding a concern involving a club official”.

“We are currently reviewing the matter and will engage with the relevant stakeholders as part of this process. At this time, we will not be making any further comment,” the spokesperson said.

Originally published as The Geelong Football Umpires League lodges complaint over Steve Johnson’s comments on Triple M