- The football world has exploded with two controversial decisions
- Charlie Cameron and Toby Bedford have been banned
- A debate has arisen about the future of the tackle.
The football world has collectively expressed its fury after two stars saw their suspensions confirmed for dangerous tackles.
The AFL Tribunal has upheld three-match suspensions for Charlie Cameron and Toby Bedford after the pair were deemed to have put opponents in danger by dragging them onto the turf.
The findings have caused a stir in the AFL community, with legends and fans alike expressing their confusion at the decisions.
Referring to Cameron’s suspension for his tackle on Liam Duggan, Gerard Healy told SEN Sportsday: ‘I must admit I’m a bit stunned by that… I think the Brisbane Lions would be absolutely filthy.’
AFL legend Wayne Carey: “Charlie C gets three weeks for a tackle like that, it’s an absolute joke! AFLPA please do something! #shit.”
Sydney Swans hero Jude Bolton posted on X: “Oh my god. 3 weeks! Seriously… where are we?”
ABC presenter Clint Wheeldon went further, calling the ban a “disgrace”.
‘If you support this decision, go and take part in Hungry, Hungry Hippos, which has nothing to do with physical sport. But only with protective glasses, because there is a small risk that one of the plastic balls will hit you.’
The football world has been outraged by the sanctions imposed on two AFL stars
Toby Bedford (above) and Charlie Cameron have received heavy suspensions
Bedford club GWS have criticised the decision to ban their star player and the state of the game.
The football world was also infuriated by Bedford’s ban. His GWS Giants teammate Lachie Whitfield said: “I don’t know what to do anymore. It’s very, very confusing. We’re all a bit shocked by the three weeks… I was honestly shocked. There’s not much you can do.”
Former Port Adelaide champion Kane Cornes struck a similar tone to Wheeldon, calling Bedford’s suspension “disgraceful”.
Meanwhile, the Giants, known for their social media pranks throughout the season, made their own statement in typically humorous style.
The club tweeted a screenshot of a Google search that read: “How do you tackle your opponent without touching them?”
Jonathan Brown set the tone on Monday night when discussing the state of tackling in the AFL, expressing his concerns about the direction the game is taking.
“What’s happened to our big game? It’s getting into worrying territory for me. It’s just astonishing, I know where we’re going as a game, we’re trying to protect the head, but what the hell is Toby Bedford supposed to do?
“We are allowed to tackle in our game, I feel sorry for Tim Taranto, but we are starting to undermine the essence of our game,” he said.
‘I tell him, buddy, don’t chase or tackle, I’d rather you play for us than miss the next three weeks.
‘Concussion Crusaders, be careful what you wish for… this is a crossroads moment.’