I think it's entirely reasonable to assume that people at the ground didn't see the hit - Cearly the umpire and the players didn't see it initially either
The whole culture of hysteria and trying to one up each other on outrage is pretty over the top
I remember when Jay Schulz copped a really bad finger in the eye in a Showdown and dropped to the ground, but the Crows supporters thought he took a dive (because at first glance that's what it looked like) Port posters still go on about 'scum bag Crows booing an injured player' even though it was entirely reasonable to assume that noone realise the severity of the eye injury at the time
Just like I'm sure Freo posters will hang onto WC cheering Gaff as some kind of proof that they are scum too
Most Eagles posters have said the hit was crude and he will cop what's coming to him
stop being so hysterical about everything