The AFL free kick that is against spirit of the game: Watson

Former Essendon captain Tim Watson has slammed the free kick paid against Collingwood’s Taylor Adams yesterday, deeming the sliding below the knees rule goes against the spirit of the game.

Adams was penalised for going to ground and tapping the ball to teammates, as he cut into the running path of Melbourne’s Joel Smith.

The free kick was paid and proved costly, as it resulted in a Demons goal going the other way.

According to Watson, the entire rule needs a rethink, as it doesn’t reward the player going for the ball.

What's your decision?

Taylor Adams was penalised for a free kick after this...#AFLDeesPies pic.twitter.com/vgxs01awHC

— AFL.com.au (@AFLcomau) June 11, 2018

“It was the wrong decision and it’s a bad decision,” he told SEN Breakfast.

“I’ve said this before, we, as a game, overreacted to a couple of incidents and a couple of bad breaks.

“That’s unfortunate, that happens from time to time in our game but this is not in the spirit of the game.

“He gets there first, he hit the ball. He is the most desperate player out there, his intention was to go for the ball and there was nothing reckless about his action whatsoever.

“It should not have been a free kick against Taylor Adams.”

Gary Rohan’s broken leg in 2012 trigged league action, as they banned players from sliding below the knees of opponents.