04-07-2024, 09:29 AM
(04-07-2024, 09:09 AM)LoveNavy link Wrote:There's an article in The West Australian (paywall). Whilst not relevant at the time of the decision, it gives some context. The AFL have on this issue at least, been consistently trying to stamp this out.
It covers an ex-AFL umpire's view of Mr Clark. He refers to Clark as a "spoilt brat, noting his repeat offences. Evidently He hasn't learned his lesson"
For some context, the former umpire is Michael Pell who was arrested for conspiracy to pass on Brownlow vote information but never charged.
He said, “I umpired Clark a little bit during his debut season in 2019 in the VFL and then again in scratch matches in 2020 during lockdown.
Things came to a head one day at Ikon Park in a game that meant nothing – a glorified match simulation with 14 per side. Clark was carrying on about decisions and generally just being difficult.
I pulled him aside at a break and told him for the sake of his career he needed to stop with the berating and abuse of umpires – it went in one ear and out the other and I thought to myself: ‘This kid just doesn’t get it’.”
The thing is that, despite Clark’s “explanation”, the umpires know what he said and all umpires will know it before long. He won’t get any leeway in future unless he mends his ways.
“Why don’t you knock it off with them negative waves? Why don’t you dig how beautiful it is out here? Why don’t you say something righteous and hopeful for a change?” Oddball