Hocking stands by decision

CONFUSION reigns over the goal review system after the AFL yesterday claimed a decision to disallow a Richmond goal on Saturday was correct.

Broadcasters showed a Jack Higgins 55m set shot had crossed the line for a goal before it was touched by St Kilda ruckman Tom Hickey.

While the goal umpire originally paid a goal, the score review ruled it a behind, infuriating Richmond coach Damien Hardwick.

AFL operations manager Steve Hocking yesterday said he sympathised with Hardwick, but ticked-off on the contentious call.

Hocking said the confusion existed because the review system used vision which wasn’t shown to fans and commentators on the broadcast.

Asked if Richmond was robbed of a goal, Hocking said: “No, they weren’t. If you’re looking at what you’ve seen, it’s a different angle. We’ll clear that up during the week.”

AFL rules state goal umpire decisions should only be overturned if there is compelling evidence. But based on the footage shown on Saturday, Higgins’ set shot should have been paid a goal.

Hocking admitted the score review system did need some tweaking.

“We’ve definitely got the basis of a good system, but it needs some work,” he said.

Hardwick lashed the score review system after the match, saying it was “deplorable”.

Sydney premiership coach Paul Roos yesterday backed Hardwick’s criticism.

“It is a massive issue,” Roos said. “It is an embarrassment to the game. What happens if that is in a grand final?

“The only reason it is probably not a bigger issue is because Richmond went on and won the game.”