The Bendigo Football League tribunal’s decision to suspend Kyneton player Michael O’Brien for six matches last night should be a warning to everyone.

In a climate where all sporting codes find it hard to attract officials, umpires must be protected.

Football, in particular, is in a position where umpire numbers are becoming a real problem.

The Bendigo Umpires Association has lost a number of senior central umpires in recent years and the lack of depth is an issue.

The BUA also regularly struggled to fill junior appointments this season.

No umpires resulted in parents having to officiate junior football matches. 

Hardly an ideal situation. 

Incidents where players make physical contact with umpires don’t assist in umpire retention or attracting potential recruits.

O’Brien has always been a fair player and Saturday’s incident was out of character.

His action wasn’t severe, but contact was made with the officiating umpire and the tribunal had to rule with an iron fist.

Six weeks might seem harsh, but a statement had to be made to the rest of the BFL and junior footballers in the region.

Let’s hope that last night’s tribunal result doesn’t tarnish O’Brien’s career, which now appears over.

O’Brien should be remembered for the wonderful footballer he was for the Bendigo Pioneers, West Coast Eagles, Coburg, East Perth, Strathmore and his home club Kyneton.