“I stood just a few feet away… it didn’t seem right”: Umpires face scrutiny as game resumes following alarming incident.

The AFL’s field umpires faced significant criticism after they permitted play to continue while Collingwood’s Lachie Schultz lay on the ground, seemingly unconscious.

This incident occurred late in Thursday night’s match against Fremantle when Schultz attempted a tackle, but was struck in the head and fell as he collided with a Dockers opponent.

Despite Schultz remaining relatively still on the ground, play carried on around him, with the Magpies fortuitously scoring a goal amidst the chaos.

Concerns were evident on the sidelines, with Pies coach Craig McRae looking alarmed as medical staff hurried to assist Schultz off the field.

Collingwood captain Darcy Moore later shared that players from both teams urged the umpires to stop the game.

“We were genuinely worried about how serious it appeared and how disorientated he seemed,” Moore stated.

“The players from both sides felt the match should have been paused for at least 20 seconds to allow him to be removed from the field.

“He was right in front of me, and I could see how much he struggled to get up… it didn’t seem right to be playing while someone was in that state.”

McRae also concurred that the game should have been halted to enable the medical team to assist Schultz effectively.

“Our primary concern was his welfare. We requested a stretcher as our doctors did everything possible to ensure Lachie was okay,” the coach explained.

“We acted as quickly as we could. Ideally, the game should have been paused.

“I deeply care for Lachie; his wellbeing is my priority. Protecting our players is essential. Seeing a player down on the ground is difficult, and you wish you could change that.

“Having played the game long ago, I’ve experienced concussions myself, and it can leave you disoriented.

“This is an aspect of the game that we wish didn’t exist. Many past players have had to cope with these issues, and we’re working to make changes that will enhance player safety and create a safer environment for everyone involved.”

Cameras captured moments in the Collingwood locker rooms where teammates gathered to show their support for Schultz.

Ultimately, the Magpies secured a 15.7 (97) to 12.11 (83) victory in Perth.