Brisbane Lions star Cam Rayner is at the centre of a major controversy following the qualifying final against Geelong on Friday night. It was his performance that placed him directly into the firestorm. Rayner suffered a severe concussion when he hit the ice three times within minutes in a recent match. This resulted in two free kicks that drew massive attention and outrage from announcers, spectators, and other athletes.
In the initial case, the now former Geelong MP Mark O’Connor pushed Rayner in the backside. This play led to an uncontested mid-range jumper. Just moments later, he was taken down once more by Zach Guthrie, this time after scoring a goal in his victory lap. Rayner added a second just a minute later, firing home from close range in an electric end to the opening period. Now his actions have triggered accusations of staging.
Matthew Lloyd, a former football player and current commentator, remarked on the situation, stating that Rayner “could potentially be fined for staging, that’s how little it was in it.” Even the commentary team at Channel 7 couldn’t contain their excitement and astonishment. Even a few listed as football legends vociferously challenged the legitimacy of the free kicks and decried the quality of officiating in general throughout the game.
James Brayshaw was outraged with the decisions that the umpires were calling for, claiming they were pedantic in their control of these occurrences. He contended that if we stopped giving unnecessary free kicks for the slightest of touches, players would stop diving. This amendment would limit theatrical falls on the playing field. “Don’t pay the free kick, players won’t flop to the ground and we’ll get rid of it,” he stated.
The public outcry grew even louder when Geelong coach Chris Scott aired his grievances on the sidelines during the game. He acknowledged that the free kick awarded to Rayner disrupted their structure as it cost them a game plan-altering pinch-hitter. This ruling stopped Tyson Stengle from having a possible winning set shot. Scott spoke highly of Rayner’s athleticism and skill set. Referring to Williams, Keim added, “He’s the No.1 pick. I love him as a player … he’s a very, very strong player.”
Despite always being impressed with Rayner’s endurance and strength, Scott never wanted to be okay with how easily Rayner would get blown off his feet. Coming upon this realization, Scott was deeply troubled. That’s what I love about him. He’s a bit like Pat Dangerfield; given his raw body strength it shouldn’t be that difficult to dislodge him from his feet, Scott went on to say.
Dangerfield himself even weighed in on the controversy. While noting the free kicks awarded to Rayner were “not there,” he did admit that the Cats should have done better to deal with it. I’m not at all selling into the next play. “That stuff can happen, right?” he remarked.
