Bum tap smells of a sanction

WEST Coast coach Adam Simpson admits Wille Rioli’s umpire bum tap wasn’t a smart move, but he hopes the AFL will consider the human side of the game in deciding whether to sanction the Eagles forward.

The incident involving umpire Ray Chamberlain emerged as a talking point following West Coast’s 11.9 (75) to 9.6 (60) win over Hawthorn at Etihad Stadium.

Rioli gave away a 50m penalty for dropping his knees into the back of a prone Blake Hardwick late in the first quarter, then gave Chamberlain a friendly pat on the backside while running to his mark.

The AFL has taken a dim view on even the most innocuous umpire contact. Geelong’s Tom Hawkins and Carlton’s Ed Curnow were both referred directly to the tribunal and copped one-week bans.