Overview

• Greg Swann defended umpire John Howorth’s decision and stressed the need to simplify dissent rules to aid consistent enforcement
• Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir demanded clearer guidelines after questioning why similar pointing gestures often went unpunished
• Swann revealed that 13 dissent-related 50-metre penalties have been issued this season and urged players to familiarise themselves with the protocols
• Umpire John Howorth penalised Karl Worner for pointing at the scoreboard during a second-quarter high-contact call, gifting Lachie Schultz his first goal against his former club
• Commentators Nick Riewoldt and Brian Taylor lambasted the decision as selective umpiring, with social media users including Will Schofield branding the officiating embarrassing