Jeff Gieschen defends controversial free kick
AFL umpires' boss Jeff Gieschen says the controversial free kick paid to West Coast's Adam Selwood late in Friday night's game was there.
The Eagles' midfielder received a questionable free for 'high contact' with just 45 seconds remaining in the game; the resulting Selwood kick ending in the arms of Nic Naitanui who won the match after the siren.
However, Gieschen failed to clarify what the field umpire was referring to when he attempted to explain his decision to players on the night.
Channel 7 broadcast audio of the umpire stating, 'The second one was high, the second one was high...on the ground' after paying the free kick.
It appeared he was referring to Andrew Swallow coming in to tie Selwood up along with Leigh Adams but Gieschen offered no explanation, instead commenting only on the initial contact.
"We can clearly see some high contact on the shoulder and upper bicep that makes contact with (Adam) Selwood's face and neck area," Gieschen said on Monday.
"...(the) umpire (was) in a good position to see that. Saw it, paid the free kick as he saw it and there is high contact."
PRESS PLAY above to watch the incident | YouTube
"The timing of it, the lateness of the game, all those sorts of things creates a lot of emotion about it, but if an umpire sees that high contact he's obliged to pay that high contact, which he did."
Following the game, Kangaroos' coach Brad Scott refused to blame the umpires for the result, although it was a hot topic over the weekend.
What's your call? Have your say below on whether it was a free kick.
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