‘Ridiculous’: AFL erupts over ‘crazy scenes’ amid claims Crows robbed in one-point thriller

Footy fans believe the Adelaide Crows were robbed of victory by a controversial umpiring call that doesn’t match up with replays.

Did the ball touch the post?

The Sydney Swans have edged one step closer to finals with a controversial 11.8 (74) to 10.13 (73) win over the Adelaide Crows.

The Swans got off to a flyer and led comfortably for most of the game, going into three quarter time in front by 32 points.

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But the Crows rallied to kick four goals to none in the final term as the Swans parked the bus and tried to hold on for dear life.

A goal to Josh Rachele made it a one-kick game and Ben Keays thought he had put the Crows in front when he snapped a goal on his left foot from the pocket.

He immediately celebrated the goal but the goal umpire ruled the ball had hit the post.

The decision wasn’t sent for a review and the Swans took advantage of Adelaide’s celebration to take the ball down the other end of the field and hold on for a one-point win.

The Crows couldn’t believe it. (Photo by Sarah Reed/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Did the ball touch the post? Photo: Fox Footy.

The result puts Sydney into seventh on the ladder with one round remaining and ends any hope the Crows had of playing finals.

Fans were stunned by the controversy, with many astonished Keays’ kick wasn’t at least reviewed by ARC — especially given it appeared from camera angles that the ball actually didn’t hit the post.

Fox Footy commentators claimed the ball brushed the goal post’s padding.

Dwayne Russell said: "The Swans win a thriller by a millimetre.”

Unless I'm blind/missing something, I'm almost 100% certain that was a goal for the Crows. What on earth happened? pic.twitter.com/SrpwGOQyZx

— Max Laughton (@maxlaughton) August 19, 2023

Why wouldn’t the Goal Umpire review that? #aflcrowsswans

— Ryan Fitzgerald (@FitzySA) August 19, 2023

You have got to be kidding me. #AFLCrowsSwans

— Adam Liaw (@adamliaw) August 19, 2023

Sports reporter Damien Ractliffe tweeted: “No spike Arc technology at Adelaide Oval. This is ridiculous. Potentially costs Adelaide the chance to play finals.

“It’s no where near the padding. So did it hit the post? Umpire in best position but can’t afford to guess. Crazy scenes all round.”

Footy journalist Rohan Connolly said: “Yep, gotta say after seeing those replays, looks to me to be pretty clearly a goal. Adelaide stiff indeed. Pretty unbelievable that the goal umpire hasn’t at least called for a score review.”

SEN’s Nic Negrepontis said: “If goal umpires aren’t reviewing that, with everything at stake, then what’s the point of the review?”

It’s cold comfort for the Crows, given there is no way the AFL would consider overturning the result.

Channel 7’s Mitch Cleary called it an “absolute debacle”.

He said: “The fact the process has broken down. How has it not gone to a score review with a minute on the clock? That is a debacle.”

The Swans’ victory also means St Kilda are still not locked into finals despite their 33-point win over Geelong on Saturday night.

The Saints will need to beat Brisbane at The Gabba next weekend. to guarantee their place in the top eight.