McLachlan admits goal umpire mistake

THE AFL has released a statement after CEO Gillon McLachlan admitted an umpire mistake cost Adelaide a goal in Saturday night’s one-point loss to Sydney in round twenty three.

As a goal would have put the Crows up with 80 seconds left, the mistake could have cost the club a finals berth as they’re now out of September calculations with the loss.

The AFL said the goal umpire has been stood down for the rest of the season.

“The AFL has confirmed the goal umpire in last night’s match between the Adelaide Crows and the Sydney Swans made an error in definitively calling a point and not referring the decision to the ARC for review,” the statement said.

“The goal umpire has 15 years of experience and was definitive in his call that the ball touched the post.

“There were no communications issues between the ARC and the umpires and with the ball being kicked in and returned to play so quickly by Sydney it didn’t allow enough time for the ARC to review or field umpires to refer to a review.

“Upon review, the outcome was conclusive that the decision would have been overturned and it should have been referred to the ARC at the time.

“The goal umpire involved in the incident is being provided support by the AFL and we ask for everyone to respect how challenging a time it would be for him presently.

“The result from last night’s match stands and the AFL will not pursue any further avenues regarding changing the result.

“The AFL has been in contact with the Adelaide Crows and the Sydney Swans overnight and this morning regarding this matter, and acknowledge the professionalism in which the Adelaide Crows have acknowledged the goal umpires error last night.

“The goal umpire will not be available for selection for the rest of the AFL season.”

Adelaide also released their own statement where CEO Tim Silvers said the failure to review the decision was inexplicable as the club now has no choice but to accept the result.

“Human error is, and always will be, part of football and we recognise our own performance in the first half of the season defining game was not at the standard we expect either,” Silvers said.

“We are also extremely proud of our players’ effort, commitment and never give up attitude, which was again on show.

“The failure to video review the scoring attempt in question is inexplicable given the enormity of the moment, not just for that game but also what it meant for our finals chances and those of other teams in the competition.

“Having spoken to the AFL and with no further avenues to explore, we have no choice other than to turn our focus to the final home and away match of the season.

“While we will not participate in the upcoming finals series, we are determined to build on the progress our young playing group has made this year.”

Adelaide’s season will end this weekend against West Coast in Perth.

– SEN