What a load of bullshit. If Richmond were 7 points down the 50 would have been paid without hesitation.Different circumstances.
The Pie supporter is talking about Ginnivan being clipped in the head by that Richmond hero who was suspended. As the umpire said he couldnt pay the free as the siren had gone.
You can award a 50m penalty after the siren, for the exact reason you are claiming someone encroaching on the mark...which unfairly impedes play.
The point, that many seem to miss, is that the kicking the ball into the crowd post siren to celebrate the win doesnt meet any of the criteria of impeding player, delaying game or being unsportsmanlike.
So yes the nervous nelly umpire asked, should it be 50, and he was put in his box by the senior umpire who actually understands the intent of law 19 as it is written.
Players often kick the ball into the crowd post siren when celebrating a close game....nobody ever has mentioned that being an unsportsmanlike gesture, it is pure joy and celebration.