Spotlight on ump bumps

THE AFL has warned players any intentional contact with an umpire will be referred directly to the tribunal, putting them at risk of suspension.

Carlton brothers Ed and Charlie Curnow will both face the judiciary tonight for making contact with umpires in separate incidents in the win over Essendon on Saturday.

Fremantle superstar Nathan Fyfe remains eligible for the Brownlow Medal after he was cleared for his bump on Seb Ross and, separately, kneeing Jake Carlisle.

But inspirational North Melbourne captain Jack Ziebell was banned for one match for kneeing Richmond’s Reece Conca on Sunday.

Ziebell will miss Saturday’s clash against Greater Western in Hobart unless the Kangaroos successfully appeal. They have until 11am to decide whether to challenge the ban.

The Curnows will attempt to convince the tribunal tonight that their contact with the umpires was careless, rather than intentional. The Blues play Melbourne on Sunday at the MCG.

Ed Curnow pushed Nathan Williamson in the chest in the third term, while brother Charlie also made low-level contact with umpire Matt Stevic.

Geelong spearhead Tom Hawkins was last week suspended for one match for brushing aside the arm of whistleblower Dean Margetts.

But Gold Coast’s Steven May was last night spared a ban after successfully arguing his contact with an umpire was careless.

Match review officer Michael Christian said any contact with umpires was frowned upon.

“We have got to be really vigilant, especially in stop-play situations,” Christian said.

“The rules say you cannot contact or make contact with an umpire.

“We have also charged a couple of careless contacts where umpires are backing out of centre squares. We are seeing a bit of that as well.

“So, I think the message is clear that you cannot make contact with umpires.”

Christian said it did not matter if the contact was light.

“It is important force is not an issue. It is whether the conduct is careless contact or intentional,” he said.

“Even it is light, if it’s intentional contact it will be referred directly to the tribunal.”

Fyfe made heavy contact to Ross’s chest, but, like Hawk Ryan Burton’s bump on Shaun Higgins a fortnight ago, was cleared.