‘Worst free kick ever’: AFL world erupts over controversial moment

Footy fans have been left seeing red after a controversial free kick was dished out in the final quarter of a match that was in the balance.

Carlton’s resurgence continued on Sunday with the Blues taking down Geelong in front of a raucous crowd at the MCG.

In what was a hotly contested game, Carlton proved too strong as they claimed the 14.10 (94) to 12.4 (76) win to make it three in a row.

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The victory however didn’t come without controversy with fans left fuming over a contentious free kick in the final quarter.

After entering the fourth term with a 28-point advantage, the Cats grabbed the momentum and had closed to within 10 points when the moment unfolded.

As the Blues surged inside 50, Harry McKay grabbed the loose ball and wheeled around before he was run down by Geelong defender Oisin Mullin.

The key forward appeared gone but the umpire saw things differently and signalled the free kick in his direction for a push in the back.

Watch the divisive free kick in the video player above

“They pay them more often than not,” Garry Lyon said on Fox Footy.

Jonathan Brown added: “I don’t know … 50/50 that one. You could argue he rolled him onto the side.”

Was he on his back or side?

McKay was rolled over after the tackle.

The moment left a deafening noise ringing out around the MCG with Geelong fans fuming, it was a feeling being echoed by those watching on from home.

One wrote on X: “THATS BALL YOU CHEATS.”

A second added: “That’s a farce. Awful free kick.”

A third wrote: “The worst free kick ever awarded.”

Another posted: “These umpires. I genuinely have no words. This is absolutely f***ed.”

Chris Scott couldn't believe it.

McKay ultimately butchered his shot attempt with the ball sliding off the outside of his boot, but he stood tall at the 13-minute mark to take a big pack mark and convert the set shot from 40m out for a crucial steadier to put his team up by 17 points.

Will White could’ve sealed the result for Carlton with a dribbler from a few metres out in the pocket with 8:10 to go, but instead of putting his side up by 24 points, his kick hit the post and shortly after, the Cats ran it down the other end of the ground where Brad Close snapped truly to get Geelong back within two goals.

But George Hewett ensured there would be no miracle Geelong comeback when he loaded up from 55m out and sent home a sensational set shot to put the Blues up by 18 points with 3:29 to go.

The win pushes the Blues into 11th spot on the ladder and only one game outside of the top eight.

For Geelong the loss snaps a three-game winning streak and sees them remain in sixth spot on the ladder.

Carlton will look to keep their streak alive when they venture into Adelaide next weekend to take on the Crows on Saturday while Geelong will lock horns with the ladder-leading Collingwood on Saturday night.

Originally published as ‘Worst free kick ever’: AFL world erupts over controversial moment