Michael Christian explains why Callum Mills’ deliberate rushed behind was paid

Defenders are being instructed to keep the ball in play.

That’s the message from Laws of the Game committee member Michael Christian.

Callum Mills was called for a contentious deliberate rushed behind during Sydney’s loss to the Bulldogs on Friday night, a decision which sparked furious debate among fans and commentators alike.

Christian told 3AW Football the rule requires players to be under actual pressure before they can rush a behind, and Mills wasn’t.

‘Mills had an opportunity to grab the ball and had time to either handball or kick,’ Christian said.

‘Picken was two metres away; that’s perceived pressure. Mills panicked.’

Kane Cornes said the rules for deliberate rushed behinds should be the same as for deliberate out-of-bounds.

Click play for the full discussion