A football grand final in the Kimberley, marred by allegations of a drunk goal umpire not scoring correctly, has had its result upheld.
Key points:
- The result of the East Kimberley Football League was left in limbo after the Halls Creek Hawks appealed their one-point loss to the Ord River Magpies over an inebriated official
- The Commission’s Integrity Manager arrived in Kununurra yesterday to investigate what occurred
- A decision was made late last night to uphold the result
The Ord River Magpies led by a point when the final siren blew on Saturday, registering 6.7 (43) to the Halls Creek Hawks 6.6 (42).
The goal umpire was later breathalysed after the game, where it was found he was above the legal limit.
The reigning premiers Hawks appealed the result, claiming inconsistences in decisions on at least three critical kicks on goal.
The Commission, which represents 10,000 players across the state, flew its Integrity Manager to the Kimberley town on Wednesday.
The WA Football Commission made a late night decision the one-point win by the Ord River Magpies over Halls Creek Hawks, in the weekend’s final in Kununurra, will stand.
Country football executive manager Tom Botterill said while the score would stand, no decision had been made about the umpire who was breathalysed after the game.
Triumph of final lost
Magpies president Mark Davey said the decision was a relief but not the end to a final he wanted.
“The boys didn’t get to go up and get their medallions in front of fans and family. They’ll never get that back.”
The club, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, will hold an award ceremony on September 4th in Kununurra.
Source: AFL NEWS ABC
