‘Disgraceful’: Brutal tackle shows footy is in real trouble

Nick Riewoldt is not happy after the umpires took action against a crunching tackle that saw a Demons star subbed out of the game.

Tarryn Thomas nailed Ed Langdon. Photo: Fox Footy.

Footy legend Nick Riewoldt is not happy about the umpires paying a controversial free kick against North Melbourne in their Saturday clash with the Demons.

Riewoldt is one of several commentators to criticise the decision which saw Tarryn Thomas concede a free kick after executing a brutal tackle that appeared to be a perfectly-timed hit.

Thomas got underneath Ed Langdon in the first quarter as the Demons star jumped up to catch a high floated handball — completely exposing his mid-section.

Thomas’ crunching hit sent Langdon flying backwards.

It was revealed by the Demons after half time that Langdon had suffered “sore ribs”.

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The club confirmed in the second quarter that Langdon had been subbed out of the game, allowing medical substitute Toby Bedford to enter the contest.

Langdon’s inability to continue was another sign the umpires were right to take action over the tackle, but it was still hard to see what exactly Thomas should have done differently.

Tarryn Thomas nailed Ed Langdon. Photo: Fox Footy.

Despite umpires classifying the hit a dumping tackle, there was no problem with the point of contact and Thomas pulled out of the tackle after Langdon hit the ground.

The tackle also showed no signs of lifting or throwing.

Former Brisbane Lions player Scott Harding wrote on Twitter: “Disgraceful how that is a free kick”.

Riewoldt also called it a “fair tackle”.

“He was in the air when he tackled him,” Riewoldt said.

“Nothing wrong with that. The player is in the air so when the player is in the air, you haven’t initiated the lift or the drive. He’s already in the air. Fair tackle for mine.”

Hawthorn legend Jason Dunstall said Thomas had been “a bit stiff” but understood that Langdon was in a vulnerable position after reaching up to receive the handball.

“The question is does he flip him or dump him. Because the umpire made a dumping motion with his arms when he paid the free kick,” Dunstall said.

“He gets underneath. To me that’s just your normal momentum going forward. I understand we try and protect the player as much as we can, we need to do that. Hopefully he is OK.”

Langdon went on to kick the first goal of the match after the free kick was awarded before he eventually came from the field.

The Demons led by 20 points at half time.

Originally published as ‘Disgraceful’: Brutal tackle shows footy is in real trouble