What a local footy umpire ‘dreads’ about his next game

A suburban umpire says he’s “dreading” the flow-on effect of the AFL’s controversial new dissent rules.

Victorian Amateur Football Association umpire Brian Clarke says it will make life even worse for umpires at local level.

The AFL remains steadfast on the strict interpretation of the new rule, which was created in a bid to build more respect and support for umpires at all levels.

But the VAFA whistleblower told 3AW Breakfast it would only put more pressure on the fraternity.

“What I’m dreading is that umpiring this weekend, or in a few weeks time, players and spectators are going to start demanding I pay a 50-metre penalty because somebody has their arms out,” he said.

“That is an unfair expectation on us and it will actually lead to more abuse, it doesn’t reduce it.

“I think the cure is worse than the disease.”

He said he would “never” pay a 50-metre penalty if a player stuck their arms out following one of his umpiring decisions.

Press PLAY below to hear Brian Clarke speak with Ross and Russel

Picture: Getty iStock