Rucci calls for removal of the MRP

Published by
Stephen Marson

AFL journalist Michelangelo Rucci believes the Match Review Panel should be removed and replaced by just one person.

Rucci, who is the Chief Football writer at The Advertiser, says the current grading system is "irrelevant", and believes the job can be done quicker with less people.

“Get rid of it,” Rucci told SEN’s Hungry For Sport on Thursday morning.

“I’ve been convinced for a long time that the MRP has been on a very bad path when it has those grading systems with all that language that is so irrelevant about careless and intentional.

“You just get one bad guy who, like a commissioner, just sits there and reviews it.

“Get it done within 24 hours. He just looks at it, gives the club and the player a notice: I find you guilty of whatever, you’ve got a one match suspension. If you want to challenge it, see you Tuesday night.”

Rucci's thoughts echo those of Geelong coach Chris Scott, who told Fox Footy's AFL360 on Monday night that a one-person panel could be the way to go.

After the MRP began to crack down on punches following Tom Hawkins' jumper punch against Adelaide in round 11, fans, players and media personalities have increasingly become frustrated with the Panel's findings.

Frustrations have seemed to boil over this week, after Jack Redpath was handed a three-match suspension following his failed bid to overturn a striking charge on GWS co-captain Phil Davis on Friday night.

Published by
Stephen Marson