Ump ruling appealed

THE AFL had been at pains to underline the message that touching an umpire is unacceptable before the tribunal let Carlton’s Curnow boys off with a fine on Tuesday.

So it surprised few when league football boss Steve Hocking decided to appeal against the penalties yesterday.

Charlie and Ed Curnow successfully argued their charges from intentional down to careless contact and were each fined $1000 on Tuesday night.

The AFL believes the sanctions imposed were manifestly inadequate and the appeals will be heard at 3pm today.