The public perception of how umpires treat Roo

[SydneySainter]

It's been widely perceived for a long time now that the umpires favor and look after certain individuals. Judd being one, Ablett and Goodes being another, but lets not forget the tag-line that was branded about two years ago - "Nick the untouchable". Ie, all you have to do is touch Roo and it's a free kick.

Maybe two seasons ago, that was probably quite a fare observation, but now, I couldn't even tell you the last time Roo was rewarded a free kick for holding, pushed in the back, arms being chopped, etc.

Yet certain individuals in the media and pretty much every opposition supporter still claims that Roo is so well looked after by the umps, that you'd love to have in your team, just for the sheer fact that the moment someone lays a finger on him, free kick.

Got me thinking after the Swans match, all the supporters calling Roo an untouchable (probably Jim Main driven), then whining about being robbed, despite the fact the White goal that got them the lead in the dying minutes originally came from Bolton after he chopped Roo's arm and the ball bounced off his body.

All this being said, I prefer a good one-on-one, battle of strength. It's a contest after all!

[ace]

It's been widely perceived for a long time now that the umpires favor and look after certain individuals. Judd being one, Ablett and Goodes being another, but lets not forget the tag-line that was branded about two years ago - "Nick the untouchable". Ie, all you have to do is touch Roo and it's a free kick.

Maybe two seasons ago, that was probably quite a fare observation, but now, I couldn't even tell you the last time Roo was rewarded a free kick for holding, pushed in the back, arms being chopped, etc.

Yet certain individuals in the media and pretty much every opposition supporter still claims that Roo is so well looked after by the umps, that you'd love to have in your team, just for the sheer fact that the moment someone lays a finger on him, free kick.

Got me thinking after the Swans match, all the supporters calling Roo an untouchable (probably Jim Main driven), then whining about being robbed, despite the fact the White goal that got them the lead in the dying minutes originally came from Bolton after he chopped Roo's arm and the ball bounced off his body.

All this being said, I prefer a good one-on-one, battle of strength. It's a contest after all!

For a one-one to be good there has to be no cheating - chopping of arms, pushing in the back, tunneling and "making him earn it" after the contest.
It is a contest after all and cheats should be penalised.