AFL erupts as 50m penalty ‘ruins the game for everyone’

North Melbourne have taken Carlton down to the wire but a controversial late call has infuriated fans and commentators alike.

Andrew McMurtry

@AndrewMcMurtry

3 min read

July 21, 2024 - 10:32PM

Carlton have survived an almighty scare against North Melbourne but have moved up to second on the AFL ladder after a 16.11 (107) to 14.4 (88) at Marvel Stadium.

It was far from easy for the Blues, who dropped well off the pace in the second quarter to fall three goals behind, but bounced back to claim the 19-point win.

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A seven-goal to three third quarter put the Blues in the box seat but the Roos didn’t go anywhere.

With eight minutes left, the scoreline was just eight points with North Melbourne kicking out after the Blues kicked a behind.

So North Melbourne were still in it, when Luke Davies-Uniacke went for a handball only to be called for a holding the ball.

“Good call by the umpire,” Jordan Lewis began on Fox Footy.

Unfortunately for the Roos, Darcy Tucker latched onto the ball and after dodging a tackle or two, handballed for a teammate, only to realise the umpire had been blowing the whistle.

In front of 40,000 screaming fans, it was clear the 27-year-old hadn’t heard the whistle, but it meant nothing to the umpire, who awarded the 50m penalty, giving Adam Saad the easiest of kicks from directly in front.

“Initially it was a good call, but I think there just needs to be game feel,” Lewis said.

“Seriously, just a little bit of common sense, have an understanding of the game — he clearly didn’t hear the whistle.”

It was the right call at the start. Photo: Fox Sports

Dwayne Russell said a few Roos players were still arguing the issue, but it fell on deaf ears has

Jack Riewoldt said “it’s a big price to pay”.

Lewis added: “It’s a harsh penalty to pay.”

Russell added: “It’s the little things in our game that can become big things and that could become a big thing in not just this game but the final composition of the AFL ladder.”

A quick play from thee centre bounce saw the Blues get pinged for holding on Harry McKay, which put the game to bed as Carlton kicked out to a 20-point lead, the biggest of the match.

And just like that, the match was as good as over.

Asked about the tough calls late in the game during his press conference, Alastair Clarkson didn’t bite.

“We’re not allowed to talk about that stuff mate, so I’ll that to you guys rather than me,” Clarkson said.

But the fans were more than happy to lash out, blasting the 50m.

ABC’s Paul Johnson tweeted: “You just have to love when an @AFL umpire makes it about them. Show some common sense and feel for the game. Rough on Davies-Uniacke.”

One fan commented: “Can someone explain why the 50m from outside 50m put Saad directly in front?”

Another fan posted: “Rip the umpires if that is 50m. Absolute garbage decision.”

A third wrote: “A missed “holding the ball” free kick at our end and a BS 50. Damn you umps!”

Davies-Uniacke couldn't hear. Photo: Fox Sports

Another lashed out: “Whoever plays Carlton in finals will have to take down the umpires as well. Woweee way to completely ruin another game.”

A fifth added: “No feel for the game ump pays the laser hot fifty and ruins the game for everyone.”

The win rights the ship for the Blues who were on a two-game slide after last week’s shock loss to the Western Bulldogs, with superstar Patrick Cripps flex his Brownlow credential with another dominant performance.

Cripps continued his hot form with 29 disposals, nine clearances, nine score involvements and seven tackles.

The Blues’ skipper took on a heavy workload in the first half in particular, as his side was challenged by an at times more skilful North Melbourne.

North Melbourne’s Luke Davies-Uniacke tried to go to Cripps in the first half but he was left relatively free at stoppages during the second half.