Lions out to support refs after dodgy goal

AT THE same time the AFL ruled yesterday that the controversial free kick that put Brisbane in front of the Kangaroos late in the game on Saturday night was incorrect, the Lions were out officiating junior footy as a show of support for the whistleblowers.

The 12-point victory ended in controversy when ruckman Oscar McInerney was awarded a free kick for a push in the back against Roos veteran Scott Thompson that was later deemed to be incorrect.

The celebrations of the Round 18 result, which elevated the Lions to second, were further soured by a post that included racist comments about Allen Christensen made on an independent supporters’ forum during the game.

Brisbane will today investigate the post, which was called out as racist by a fellow Lions fan on Twitter.

The Lions did not know who made the post yesterday but vowed to act if it was a member.

Brisbane had planned to draw attention to umpires as part of their Community Footy Round but the AFL did that for them when it issued a statement yesterday morning.

The scores were tied 75-75 before “The Big O’’ got his free kick and went back and converted to give the Lions the lead.

The call was immediately questioned by commentators and drew outrage from fans.

Yesterday the AFL ruled the umpires got it wrong and Thompson should have been paid the mark.

“The AFL Umpiring Department advises the free kick awarded to Brisbane Lions’ Oscar McInerney against North Melbourne’s Scott Thompson in the fourth quarter of last night’s match at the Gabba was incorrect,” the AFL said in a statement.

Every available player from Brisbane’s AFL and AFLW sides umpired games at five suburban venues yesterday.