Readers at odds over Brad Scott fine, AFL’s handling of Eddie McGuire drowning comments

HERALD Sun readers are divided over the league’s handling of the Eddie McGuire drowning-gate scandal and Brad Scott’s umpire whack. VOTE: Has the AFL set double standards?

THE AFL’s controversial handling of the Eddie McGuire drowning-gate scandal and Brad Scott’s umpire whack has divided Herald Sun readers.

AFL chief executive Gillion McLachlan this week admonished the Collingwood Football Club president, North Melbourne counterpart James Brayshaw and Danny Frawley over comments made on Triple M radio about drowning football reporter Caroline Wilson.

On Monday the league announced it would not sanction the trio for their comments.

A day later the AFL slapped North Melbourne Football Club with $80,000 in fines — $50,000 for the club and $30,000 for Scott — after Scott had questioned the integrity of AFL umpires following his side’s loss to Hawthorn on Friday night.

Today, Herald Sun chief football writer Mark Robinson compared the two issues with the 2012 sacking of former Adelaide Football Club recruiting manager Matt Rendall.

Rendall was given his marching orders in 2012 after making a perceived racist comment.

“A casual racist throwaway line gets you sacked and tarnished for life,” Robbo wrote.

“Question the integrity of umpires and it’s an $80,000 fine.

“Casual bullying and insinuating violence against a female? Call out the perpetrators and move on.

“Clearly, the priorities are wrong.”

Some readers agreed with Robbo and were concerned the AFL was setting double standards.

“Say something about the umpires, cop an $80k fine,” Anthony wrote.

“Say something demeaning or threatening, even if it was in joke form, a sorry is enough.

“The AFL is becoming a joke of a football code, makes up rules and regulations as it sees fit, yet ignores its own inconsistencies.”

Steve wrote: “Well done Robbo.”

“Someone has to start calling out the AFL.

“A law unto themselves.”

Christopher wrote Robbo was “spot on”.

“(It) was absolute bullying and was taking what they usually do on Triple M way too far.”

But others believe the Kangaroos and McGuire “got what they deserved” and the AFL was justified in its handling of the situations.

“You just have to look at Scott in the coaches box with his out of control actions reacting to umpires decisions,” Steve wrote.

“Eddie, Brayshaw, and Spud got what they deserved, total humiliation.

“Gil got it about right.”

Bombers supporter Pat compared the controversial issues to the sanction handed out to Essendon over the supplements saga.

“As supporters we have got a 22-week sentence this year as we watch our kids get belted week after week.

“I agree with Robbo’ these punishments are all out of proportion.

“James Hird must wish he was President of Collingwood.”

@superfooty they accepted his apology ... (his 3rd attempt after speaking to ppl) surprise surprise. The hypocrisy of the #AFL continues!

— Daniele Tozillo (@Tuzi05) June 21, 2016

@superfooty $80K fine to footy club & coach for saying umpires bias ...but nothing for joking about drowning a woman..

— craig (@KJC135) June 21, 2016

Originally published as Readers at odds over Brad Scott fine, AFL’s handling of Eddie McGuire drowning comments