Carlton wingmen Lochie O’Brien has come under fire for “blatantly staging” in Thursday night’s win over Western Bulldogs.
The incident occurred in the 25th-minute mark of the second quarter when O’Brien was tackled by Adam Treloar deep in the Blues’ forward line.
It’s the second week in a row that the 22-year-old has exaggerated for a free kick and David King has called him out, labelling the young Blue a “recidivist”.
“I tell you what I don’t want to see, I don’t want to see Lochie O’Brien throw his head back again,” King said on SEN Breakfast.
“That’s two weeks in a row that he’s done that, the umpires have got to say, ‘You know what, this guy’s a recidivist, let’s let it go’.
“You just don’t need to be doing that, they’re a tough footy team, stick with it and don’t play for free kicks.”
Joining the chorus of disapproval, Kane Cornes was disappointed that umpire Brett Rosebury fell for the act and has called on Match Review Officer Michael Christian to fine the young Blue.
“I hope Michael Christian fines him for that, I thought that was as blatant staging as you’re going to get,” Cornes added.
“I was really disappointed in Brett Rosebury the umpire, he was right there, but I was disappointed in that and we should be able to question umpiring decisions.
“He was right there and he fell for that in what could’ve been a pivotal moment in the game.”
O’Brien had arguably his best game as a Blue, collecting 25 disposals for 435 metres gained.
Carlton will be looking to make it three straight wins to start the season when they tackle Hawthorn at the MCG next Sunday.