‘Oh boy’: Collingwood fans fume at contentious call in ANZAC Day clash

The ANZAC Day clash between Collingwood and Essendon erupted in controversy when umpires awarded a questionable goal, leaving hordes of fans fuming in the MCG stands.

Late in the second quarter, Essendon forward Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti fumbled the footy inside 50 near the boundary line.

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But the 28-year-old managed to clean up the Sherrin and snap a classy goal, extending Essendon’s lead to 10 points.

However, a chorus of boos echoed around the venue as the Bombers celebrated McDonald-Tipungwuti’s third major, many fans believing the footy went out of play.

Cameras panned towards countless Collingwood supporters bellowing at the officials, pleading for the goal to be reviewed.

Magpies captain Scott Pendlebury argued with the umpires to no avail.

“Did this football go out?” commentator James Brayshaw asked on Channel 7.

Footy great Brian Taylor replied: “Oh boy, that’s really upset a few Collingwood fans.”

ABC reporter Garrett Mundy tweeted: “The Out of Bounds goal is becoming a regular thing these days. And it really shouldn’t be. How many sets of eyes do they need out there?”

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McDonald-Tipungwuti finished the contest with five majors, also contributing 10 disposals and six tackles in Essendon’s thrilling 16.13 (109) to 13.7 (85) victory.

Footy presenter Gerard Whateley told AFL Nation: “He has been irrepressible in the Essendon forward line.”

Bombers midfielder Darcy Parish was awarded the coveted AFL Anzac Medal for best on ground after kicking two goals and recording a game-high 42 disposals.

Collingwood’s season record now stands at 1-5, with the club registering four consecutive defeats since late March.

Magpies legend Mick McGuane tweeted: “Oh my God @CollingwoodFC kicking skills have let them down … tidy it up or you will regret it. Painful to watch!”

Sunday afternoon’s match broke the record for the highest attendance at a sporting event since the coronavirus pandemic, with 78,113 spectators in the stands.

As part of the Anzac Day ceremonies, some of Australia’s returned servicemen and women were honoured before the game in the Motorcade of Veterans.

The Last Post echoed around the iconic venue soon after, followed by a minute’s silence to honour Australian servicemen and women, past and present.

The national anthems were performed by Private Hetty Adams from the New Zealand Army Band and Sergeant Deborah O’Toole from the Australian Army Band.