Meyer to umpire Grand Final despite abuse from Sicily and Barrass
Umpire Hayden Meyer will officiate the Grand Final despite abuse from Hawthorn players over a correct call.
Umpire Hayden Meyer felt threatened and intimidated when Hawthorn co-captain James Sicily and Tom Barrass ran at him after Saturday's preliminary final and abused him over a controversial call. Meyer said he had never before experienced bottles and cans thrown at umpires leaving the ground.
Sicily and Barrass were both fined for the verbal abuse. Meyer has spoken with Barrass, who apologised sincerely.
Sicily has not yet reached out. Despite the incident, Meyer has been selected to umpire the Grand Final between Brisbane and Fremantle on Saturday.
The call was correct.
- Hayden Meyer
- Umpire
- James Sicily (co-captain), Tom Barrass
- Hawthorn players
- MCG
- Venue
- Third
- Meyer's Grand Finals
Why it mattersIt shows umpires will not be intimidated from making the right call, even under extreme pressure and abuse from players.
AustraliaAustralian AFL fans will see Meyer umpire the season's biggest game after standing firm through a threatening confrontation, reinforcing that the integrity of calls matters more than player pressure.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 1 d ago
