‘Flogged’: AFL fans erupt at umpiring farce in Geelong vs Giants semi-final

AFL fans took to social media to blast a series of controversial umpiring decisions in Friday evening’s finals clash at Perth.

It wouldn’t be a footy finals series without an umpiring controversy.

AFL fans have voiced their frustration with the officiating during Friday evening’s semi-final between the Geelong Cats and GWS Giants at Optus Stadium.

The Cats took advantage of an undermanned Giants outfit in Perth, winning the must-win clash by 35 points, 15.13 (103) to 10.8 (68).

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But the one-sided outcome didn’t stop viewers blasting the umpires following a series of on-field incidents.

Giants defender Phil Davis was left baffled when Geelong forward Tom Hawkins was awarded a free kick for a push in the back.

But social media went into a frenzy when Hawkins wasn’t penalised for what appeared to be a glaring push against his opponent later in the match.

Former Giants star Dylan Buckley tweeted: “Farrrrout whistles away pls … wouldn’t want to be a defender for the Giants tonight.”

Melbourne Demons defender Adam Tomlinson posted: “Hate to be a defender in the game at the moment …”

Speaking on AFL Nation, three-time All-Australian Gerard Healy called frees not being paid for in the back “one of the blights on the game at the moment”.

Wrong again #RazorRay come on mate! #anyDangerpic.twitter.com/POozFKiWjZ

— Brenton Speed (@BrentonSpeed) September 3, 2021

Are GWS getting flogged by the umps or am i seeing things? #AFLCatsGiants

— lehmo23 (@lehmo23) September 3, 2021

Free kick Hawthorn but make it Geelong

— Megan Hustwaite (@MeganHustwaite) September 3, 2021

The Cats weren’t perfect on Friday, but their performance was noticeably better than what they dished up in their 43-point qualifying final loss to Port Adelaide last weekend.

They managed it with a massive input from Joel Selwood in his record-breaking 333rd game in a Cats jumper.

The brave run of four consecutive wins from the Giants ends. They haven’t played in Sydney since 19 June, some 73 days ago.

And cruelly, the first goal came from the boot of their former key forward of nine years, Jeremy Cameron.

Geelong will face the Melbourne Demons in a preliminary final next weekend.

– with Brad Elborough, NCA NewsWire