AFL world blows up at controversial call to deny Port Adelaide a goal against Sydney: ‘Absolute joke’

AFL fans have exploded over a controversial decision during Sydney’s clash with Port Adelaide on Saturday night.

During the second quarter with the Power trailing by 25 points and yet to kick a goal, Jackson Mead had the chance to get his side on the scoreboard with a set shot from 50m out.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Port Adelaide denied a goal after lengthy ARC review.

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His shot appeared to clear the pack on the line with Sydney defender Robbie Fox throwing his arm out to try to touch it.

The Swan didn’t react, which was a sign he didn’t make contact with the ball, but the goal umpire called for a goal review.

Crucially, the umpire’s decision was touched on the line.

The ARC took nearly two minutes to review the decision and eventually decided the footage was inconclusive, so the umpire’s call of a point remained.

Channel 7 commentators all agreed it should have been a goal.

“The first replay was the one that felt like it was daylight,” Geelong premiership captain Cameron Ling said.

“Given the umpire has call that it touched, is there enough to overturn it? It has got to be conclusive. I feel like it is a goal.”

Jason Bennett added, “even on the first angle it looked like the touch … the ball was across the line.”

“To my eye it is (over the line) and it is a goal. It will be overturned,” Ling said.

Field commentator Jude Bolton also agreed: “That’s a goal.”

The decision left fans fuming.

There was another score review minutes later, but this time it went in favour of Port Adelaide with Sam Powell-Pepper’s goal given the all clear.