Lachie Schultz Concussion: Umpires Threaten Legal Action
AFL umpires Consider Legal action After schultz Concussion Fallout
Updated june 3, 2025
Four AFL umpires are exploring legal options in response to public criticism they say questioned their integrity and competence after Collingwood forward Lachie Schultz suffered a concussion May 8. The AFL Umpires Association confirmed that Simon Meredith, Craig Fleer, Justin Power, and Martin Rodger sought legal advice following the incident during the game between Fremantle and Collingwood.
Rob Kerr, chief executive of the AFL Umpires Association, stated that the umpires were advised regarding their legal rights due to commentary following the Lachie Schultz concussion issue. Kerr’s statement, which did not specify against whom the umpires might take action, was provided to Nine’s Tom Morris.
The umpires’ concern stems from accusations of dishonesty and misleading the AFL,which they believe extends beyond mere questioning of the incident’s management.The association argues that such commentary harms the umpires’ personal and professional reputations, making it reasonable to consider rectification.
initially,Laura Kane,the AFL’s football operations boss,suggested the umpires had misled the league regarding their awareness of the injured player. however, it later emerged that the umpires were indeed aware of Schultz’s injury on the field at Optus Stadium. While they did not witness the collision with Fremantle’s Jordan Clark that caused the concussion, they knew Schultz was injured.
“Being falsely accused of lying and misleading the AFL goes beyond simply questioning the management of the actual incident,” Kerr said.
What’s next
The AFL Umpires Association is expected to make further announcements as the legal advice process unfolds, potentially clarifying the specific actions the umpires may pursue to address the perceived damage to their reputations following the Lachie Schultz concussion incident.