West Coast’s Willie Rioli to come under MRO scrutiny for making contact with an umpire

THE AFL faces anothertest case of its umpire contact rules over a friendly tap from young West Coast forward Willie Rioli. But one AFL legend says the Eagle should get the all clear. WATCH THE INCIDENT

West Coast's Willie Rioli made contact with an umpire. Pic: Michael Klein

THE AFL faces another intriguing test case of its umpire contact rules over a friendly tap from young West Coast forward Willie Rioli.

The livewire goal kicker patted umpire Ray Chamberlain on the backside after giving away a 50m penalty early in West Coast’s win over Hawthorn.

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The AFL has already dished out one-match suspensions to Geelong spearhead Tom Hawkins and Carlton’s Ed Curnow for making intentional contact to umpires this month.

But AFL champion Wayne Carey said Rioli should not be suspended because the contact was “endearing” rather than threatening or unexpected.

The Rioli contact has reignited debate about whether players should be suspended for making light intentional contact with umpires.

Gold Coast Steven May and Carlton’s Charlie Curnow were both let-off with fines for their brushes with the officials, prompting Geelong superstar Patrick Dangerfield to describe the tribunal inconsistency on the matter as “farcical” and “absolutely ridiculous”.

Willie Rioli taps umpire Ray Chamberlain on the backside.

“We’re all scratching our heads as to where is the consistency? Because I’m a little confused, as I think a lot of the AFL world is,” Dangerfield said.

And Saints key defender Jake Carlisle faces a one-match ban for his round-arm strike which concussed Richmond spearhead Jack Reiwoldt on Saturday.

Riewoldt appeared to be concussed before he hit the ground, leaving Carlisle in danger of being banned for Saturday night’s clash against the leader-leading Eagles in Perth.

Riewoldt did not play any further part in the match.

Match review officer Michael Christian will likely look at whether Carlisle’s attempt to spoil the ball in the marking contest was genuine, with a straight arm, or a potentially more dangerous round-arm swing.

The Curnow brothers, Charlie and Ed had mixed results at their AFL Appeals Tribunal. Pic: Getty Images

Tom Hawkins copped a week for this. Pic: Getty Images

Christian made clear this month even light contact with an umpire would be frowned upon and referred straight to the tribunal.

“We have got to be really vigilant, especially in stop-play situations,” Christian said.

“The rules say you cannot contact or make contact with an umpire.

“It is important force is not an issue. Even it is light, if it’s intentional contact it will be referred directly to the tribunal.”

Rioli, 22, had given away a 50m penalty for dropping his knees into the back of Hawk Blake Hardwick after taking a mark.

When Chamberlain ran in to explain the decision and then begun backing away, Rioli tapped the umpire on the backside as if to acknowledge his own mistake.

Originally published as West Coast’s Willie Rioli to come under MRO scrutiny for making contact with an umpire