AFL news 2025: Umpires reportedly consider legal action against Channel 7 stars
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The umpires at the centre of the Lachie Schultz concussion saga are reportedly considering legal action against three of the highest profile pundits in footy.
Simon Meredith, Craig Fleer, Justin Power and Martin Rodger have explored their legal rights regarding comments made by Kane Cornes, Luke Hodge and Dale Thomas regarding their handling of the incident that left Schultz concussed against Fremantle at Optus Stadium last month.
The comments made by the three ex-players that the umpires have taken umbrage with took place on the Agenda Setters on Channel 7 on May 13.
The umpires were initially accused of providing misleading information to the AFL, but were later cleared of any wrongdoing – with the league citing a miscommunication with the umpiring department.
In a statement provided to Channel 9, AFL Umpires Association boss Rob Kerr said the comments heavily criticising the four cast 'aspersions' on their 'integrity and professional competence'.
'The umpires involved in the involved in the Fremantle vs Collingwood game have been advised as to their legal rights in relation to some of the commentary that followed the Lachlan Schultz concussion issue,' the statement said.
'Being falsely accused of lying and misleading the AFL goes beyond simply questioning the management of the actual incident.
'Public commentary that casts aspersions on an individual's integrity and professional competence, particularly when that is core to the role they perform, harms their personal and professional standing and it is reasonable to consider how that can be rectified.'
Channel 7 was contacted for comment.
The Herald Sun reported last month that the umpires told field umpires coach Michael Jennings and head of umpiring Steve McBurney that they did not see the initial bump on Schultz, but did witness the Magpies' forward struggle to his feet and show concussion symptoms in the immediate aftermath.
That information was misinterpreted and triggered a damaging chain reaction when the umpire's boss McBurney spoke to football boss Laura Kane.
McBurney told Kane the umpires did not see it – which referred to the initial bump from Docker Jordan Clark – rather than Schultz's concussion symptoms.
The AFL then incorrectly released a statement on the day after the match saying the umpires did not see Schultz at all in the belief the information was accurate.
The league confirmed play should have been stopped due to Schultz's concussion.
Kane took full responsibility for the saga saying it was the league's fault, and not the four field umpires from the Collingwood win over Fremantle.
'We have determined there was a miscommunication from members of the umpiring department, not the field umpires, which formed the basis of our initial public statement on Friday,' Kane said.
'Those team members have been counselled and reminded of the importance of ensuring our process is fully followed regarding these types of incidents and in this instance it was not.'
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