Geelong umpires hit back at Steve Johnson

The Geelong Football Umpires League (GFUL) has lodged an official complaint over comments made by Geelong great Steve Johnson during Triple M’s Sunday Rub program, saying the remarks undermined the integrity of local officiating.

Johnson, who coaches Newtown and Chilwell in the Geelong Football League, was discussing his side’s narrow loss to Bell Park at the weekend when the topic turned to umpiring.

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Johnson told the program:
“We were a bit disappointing yesterday. It was one of those losses you need to have, Joey. We were eight on the trot, so going for nine and just fell short of Bell Park.”

Fellow panellist Nathan Brown then suggested:
“I believe you felt that you were hardly done by by the men in white yesterday.”

Johnson replied:
“Look, I think we’ll have to revisit the tape and find out whether I…”

The discussion returned to the subject a short time later, with Johnson adding:
“I wouldn’t mind knowing a little bit more about the umpire’s background. That’s all I’ll say.”

When pressed on whether there were questions around the umpires’ allegiances, Johnson said:
“Not from me, but from potentially some other people around me.”

The GFUL has since formally taken issue with the comments, describing them as inappropriate and potentially damaging to the reputation of community umpires.

In a statement, the league said it remained committed to supporting its officials and ensuring they felt respected and safe, both on and off the field.

Johnson, a Geelong great and premiership star, is in his second season coaching Newtown and Chilwell. His side remains among the contenders in the Geelong Football League despite the tight loss.

The complaint highlights broader efforts across local sport to uphold respect for umpires, who continue to face scrutiny and, at times, unwarranted criticism.