- AFL have confirmed they will not introduce red cards in 2024
- Jimmy Webster’s late goal saw him suspended for seven games
- AFL boss Andrew Dillon is pleased with the ‘robust’ tribunal system
Sunrise co-hosts Natalie Barr and Matt Shirvington have criticized AFL CEO Andrew Dillon after he confirmed the footy code will not introduce red cards for players following cases of serious foul play.
It follows St Kilda’s Jimmy Webster’s sickening bump against North Melbourne captain Jy Simpkin in the first quarter of a practice match last weekend.
The bump was considered that bad. Saints veteran Webster was banned for seven matches.
“We have a pretty robust match review and tribunal system,” Dillon told Sunrise on Thursday morning.
“(Webster’s) got a seven-match suspension. We see that as a sufficient deterrent.
Sunrise co-hosts Natalie Barr and Matt Shirvington have criticized AFL CEO Andrew Dillon after he confirmed the code will not introduce red cards for players following cases of serious foul play this season
Dillon said the AFL has a “pretty robust match review and tribunal system” for cases of serious foul play
“So the red cards are not on our agenda at the moment.”
Barr questioned the logic behind the decision — and Shirvington then brought up Webster’s intent.
It comes as Richmond premiership captain Trent Cotchin told 7NEWS Melbourne earlier this week that he is ‘not against the idea’ of red cards.
But he did wonder which matchday official would be best placed to make the decision during matches.
“I think the referees have enough on their minds so it would be something extra that they probably don’t need the responsibility for,” he said.
“But I suppose if the incident is serious enough to take someone out of the game then it’s worth investigating.”
The 2024 AFL season kicks off on Thursday evening when John Longmire’s Sydney Swans take on the Melbourne Demons at the SCG from 7.30pm.