Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir has responded to pictures of umpire headshots within the changerooms final week, admitting he was baffled by the general public response.
The Dockers had photographs of all 4 discipline umpires seen to broadcast cameras of their rooms throughout their win over North Melbourne, one thing that was picked up by each broadcasters and wider nationwide media.
Fox Footy’s Jack Riewoldt was amused by the photographs on the time, labelling them “mugshots”, whereas others have talked about they might be displayed in an try and get an edge with the umpires.
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The umpire ‘mugshots’ final week. Seven
Longmuir felt the protection of the photographs was making “a mountain out of a mole hill”, saying it is one thing they’ve performed for many of his time on the membership.
“It wasn’t a selected tactic, somebody simply determined to place them up someplace totally different,” the Freo coach stated after his aspect’s win over Essendon on Thursday night time.
“It’s astonishing it acquired picked up final week and it was made one thing of.
“We have been doing it for 4 years I reckon. There’s nothing sinister about it.
“We wish our gamers and workers to grasp who’s umpiring the sport. It is to not get a profit the mistaken manner or proper manner.”
Freo coach Justin Longmuir. through Getty Photos
The photographs have been reportedly not seen to cameras earlier than the Essendon recreation. They have been seemingly hidden given the commotion.
Nevertheless, they’ve been seen throughout Fremantle video games at Optus Stadium earlier within the 12 months.
Freo was far too sturdy for a battered Essendon on Thursday night time, choosing up a 41-point win.
Star ruckman Luke Jackson dominated, profitable 48 hit-outs and kicking three objectives to go along with 21 disposals, whereas midfielder Caleb Serong discovered 35 touches and kicked two himself.