The AFL’s controversial anti-taunting rule has reignited fierce debate after two players conceded costly free kicks for rubbing an opponent’s head during Fremantle’s thrilling 38-point comeback win over Sydney on Thursday night.
Dockers defender Luke Ryan was the first to be penalised after laughing at Chad Warner and rubbing the Swans star’s head following a missed snap set shot in the opening quarter.
The free kick was paid on the goal line, allowing Charlie Curnow to stroll in and kick an easy goal.
Later in the third term, Sydney veteran Dane Rampe repeated the mistake by touching the head of Fremantle forward Jye Amiss after Amiss had given away a free kick.
The umpire immediately reversed the decision, although Amiss missed the resulting set shot.
The incidents quickly sparked widespread criticism from commentators and fans, many questioning whether such acts should result in scoring opportunities.
Luke Ryan of the Dockers rubs the head of Chad Warner of the Swans on Thursday night, giving away a free kick
Warner lets Ryan know about his mistake following the umpire’s decision at Optus Stadium
Fox Footy’s Jason Dunstall was adamant players only had themselves to blame.
‘It’s a rule. So if you transgress and get pinged – and we’re seeing it cost goals – you’re an imbecile,’ Dunstall said.
‘That doesn’t mean I like the rule.
‘The Rampe one just tapped him on the back of the head. The fact that that costs a shot at goal, but you can do whatever you like – you can run up, chest, sledge the cr*p of them, yell in their face, that’s OK! But a little tap on the back of the head? Free kick. I don’t get it.’
Later in the broadcast, Dunstall again criticised the players rather than the umpires.
‘It cost them (Fremantle) a goal because he was dumb,’ he said.
‘Whether you agree with the rule or not, it’s the rule! They said don’t pat people’s heads!’
When Leigh Montagna joked, ‘So pat him on the bum instead?’, Dunstall replied: ‘Anywhere else! Don’t pat his head! Dumb.’
Later in the match, Jye Amiss of the Dockers received a free kick after getting tapped on the head by Dane Rampe
Dual premiership Kangaroo David King also questioned whether the punishment matched the offence.
‘Wow! We have not seen that – taunting … the rubbing of the head, taunting really? Should it come at this cost?’ King said.
‘That can’t possibly be costing us goals at this level.
‘One v two – everything to play for.
‘It’s ridiculous.’
Despite the backlash, both coaches defended the AFL’s stance.
Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir admitted there was little excuse for Ryan’s infringement.
‘It’s clear – the AFL said it’s clear,’ Longmuir said.
The rule was brought in by the AFL after Patrick Voss of the Dockers taunted Harrison Petty of the Demons in March
‘Could have educated our players a little better on that.
‘Haven’t seen it in the game for months so for two to happen in one night is a bit odd – but the AFL has made it really clear that you can’t do it, so why do it?’
Sydney coach Dean Cox echoed those sentiments.
‘I think the rule is there – same as every other rule. You’ve got to adhere to it and be disciplined in the moment,’ Cox said.
‘Don’t let frustration change the outcome of what you should be doing – you should be focusing on what you can do next, not on trying to rub it in a little bit.
‘The best teams don’t do it – so we need to make sure we’re really disciplined in those moments.’
The AFL introduced the interpretation before Round 3 after Fremantle forward Patrick Voss ruffled Melbourne defender Harrison Petty’s hair and followed it with a cry-baby gesture, prompting football boss Greg Swann to crack down on similar acts.
Commentator Jon Ralph said the biggest issue was consistency, pointing to Richmond’s Seth Campbell avoiding a free kick for a similar incident against Carlton’s Sam Walsh a week earlier.
‘I think we all agree with the rule – it’s just whether there is a consistent application,’ Ralph said.
Social media was flooded with criticism as fans questioned why a gesture such as rubbing an opponent’s head could directly result in goals.
One fan posted: ‘Imagine losing a final because someone ruffled another player’s hair.’
Another wrote: ‘The rule is ridiculous. Enforce it with a fine after the game if you want, but don’t decide matches with it.’
A third added: ‘Players know the rule, but that doesn’t make the punishment any less absurd.’
