AFL world up in arms over ‘horrific’ farce: ‘Worst I’ve ever seen’

Darcy Moore was left stunned to be pinged for a deliberate rushed behind. Image: Fox Footy/Getty

AFL fans and commentators were left in disbelief on Sunday after Darcy Moore was pinged for a deliberate rushed behind in Collingwood’s thrilling win over GWS.

Collingwood survived a late scare in an 11-point victory that put them a step closer to an AFL finals berth.

‘SICKENING’: AFL world in shock over horror incident

‘LIVE IN FEAR’: Dani Laidley reveals sad 49-year struggle

The Magpies triumphed 11.22 (88) to 12.5 (77) at the MCG, reclaiming a top-eight spot with a fifth-straight win.

It came amid the controversy around Jordan De Goey’s latest off-field drama, which first-year coach Craig McRae admitted had been a distraction for Collingwood during the build-up.

The match itself also wasn’t without controversy after Moore was deemed to have rushed a behind deliberately during the Giants’ late charge.

A 37-point margin at three-quarter time was cut back to just 10 points when Toby Greene kicked his only goal with more than four minutes left on the clock.

At that stage, GWS had kicked four goals in 10 minutes and were mounting a serious challenge.

But the third of those goals caused major controversy after the goal umpire pinged Moore for a deliberate rushed behind.

Moore was chasing back on a ball with GWS player Jake Riccardi in hot pursuit, with Moore soccering the ball towards the goals.

The ball then appeared to beat Moore over the goal line, but he was deemed to have deliberately knocked it over – resulting in a gift goal for the Giants.

Darcy Moore was pinged for a deliberate rushed behind in Collingwood’s win over GWS. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)

“The man (Riccardi) wasn’t within the length of the goal square,” an exasperated Brian Taylor said in commentary.

ABC’s Damien Peck wrot on Twitter: “Umpire paying a deliberate rushed behind on Darcy Moore during a one-on-one contest in front of goal. In the wet. Absolute farce.”

Former Collingwood player Mick McGuane tweeted: “Worst ever decision for conceding a behind against Collingwood and Darcy Moore. Bloody ridiculous.”

While Australian cricketer James Faulkner added: “Horrific….Big support of umpiring, but that was bad… real bad…!!!!”

Story continues

The Magpies managed to tighten up around the contest in the dying stages to make sure of a result that gave them a 9-5 record and continued the Giants’ (4-10) tough year.

“It’d be nice to be able to win a game and put the feet up on the bench but it’s not our story at the moment,” McRae said.

“I’m really proud of the players’ ability to galvanise themselves this week and support those that have been under fire, if you like, and then come out and execute.

“For three quarters of the game we were proud of our efforts.”

The De Goey distraction didn’t show on-field as Collingwood’s midfield got on top for the opening three quarters in dreary conditions.

Collingwood players celebrate after their win over GWS. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)

Taylor Adams (24 disposals, six clearances) was influential against his old side, while Nick Daicos (25 disposals), Steele Sidebottom (26) and Josh Daicos (23) also effective.

Ruckman Darcy Cameron finished with two goals from 17 disposals to go with five clearances and 23 hit-outs, underlining his importance after signing a new three-year contract with the Magpies.

“They could’ve put a lot more scoreboard pressure on us and we acknowledged that but (their inaccuracy) gives you an opportunity, so you’ve got to take that,” Giants interim coach Mark McVeigh said.

“We know if we go away from the style we’re trying to continue to coach, it hurts us.

“They were good enough to be able to do that (to us) and we were lucky at times.”

with AAP

Click here to sign up to our newsletter for all the latest and breaking stories from Australia and around the world.