Controversial contact below the knees free kicks spark social media meltdown

IT'S widely seen as the worst rule in the AFL and the contentious contact below the knee free kick has become a big talking point in Melbourne's semi-final win over Hawthorn with one Hall of Famer labelling the rule a "bloody disgrace". Re-cap all the action here.

IT'S widely regarded as the worst rule in the AFL and the contact below the knees free kick as taken centre stage at the MCG.

Two controversial free kicks almost marred Melbourne's semi-final win over Hawthorn.

First, Melbourne star Angus Brayshaw was pinged for reaching for the ball while on his knees and the free kick given to Hawk Shaun Burgoyne who topped over the top. 

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Then shortly after, fellow Demon Jordan Lewis was on the wrong end of a decision as Hawthorn forward Jack Gunston rolled over the top of him.

Lewis was reaching for the ball and appeared to win if before Gunston made contact.

The decisions were met with swift condemnations from fans and former players alike with former Port Adelaide captain and Hall of Famer Warren Tredrea labelling them a "bloody disgrace".

Shaun Burgoyne gets a free kick for contact below the knees.

"Sliding rule a bloody disgrace. You are allowed to win the ball," he tweeted.

Later adding: "Surely after tonight's umpiring performances we won’t see them again for the rest of the year. Head hit hits missed yet pay sliding. Win the ball first but somehow pay sliding. #joke #poorpoorpoor."

Collingwood premiership star Mick McGuane wasn't a fan either.

"Reward the courageous and proactive not the reactive and those that sweat. Just not football," he tweeted.

Speaking on Fox Footy, Paul Roos and David King said more common sense was needed when it came to protecting players from injury and rewarding players going for the ball.

Sliding rule a bloody disgrace. You are allowed to win the ball.

— Warren Tredrea (@warrentredrea) September 14, 2018

Surely after tonights umpiring performances we won’t see them again for the rest of the year. Head hit hits missed yet pay sliding. Win the ball first but somehow pay sliding #joke #poorpoorpoor

— Warren Tredrea (@warrentredrea) September 14, 2018

Reward the courageous and proactive not the reactive and those that sweat. Just not football #belowtheknees

— Michael McGuane (@MickMCG34) September 14, 2018

Said it once, I’ll say it again - farking shit rule. #belowtheknee

— Xavier Ellis (@XaviEllis18) September 14, 2018

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