AFL Umpires Knew of Injured Player, Audio Reveals

On Thursday night, during an AFL match at Optus Stadium, Collingwood player Lachie Schultz suffered a concussion after a tackle. The incident sparked controversy when new audio evidence emerged, contradicting the AFL's initial statement that umpires hadn't seen Schultz injured. The audio clearly shows umpires acknowledging Schultz's condition yet allowing play to continue for about 45 seconds. AFL football boss Laura Kane later issued a statement taking responsibility, explaining that they had been given incorrect information by the umpires. "The statement [released on Friday by the AFL saying the umpires had not seen the injured player] we released was incorrect," Kane said. The AFL Players' Association has since called for a review of on-field safety protocols. However, former Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley defended the umpires, suggesting they handled the situation perfectly. The incident highlights the importance of clear communication and accurate information dissemination in professional sports.