Former AFL umpire Derek Humphrey-Smith has confirmed that Amdrew Stephens, the umpire at the center of two controversial decisions during Hawthorn's three-point win over St Kilda on Saturday, is not a Hawks fan.
Saints fans were left fuming late in the game on the weekend, as Stephens called play from two St Kilda kicks that appeared to travel the required 15 metres, deep in the Saints' backline.
The Hawks took full advantage, with Paul Puopolo tackling Shane Savage, allowing the ball to spill loose to Jordan Lewis, who kicked a vital goal to cut the margin to just three points.
Social media went into overdrive yesterday, with many labeling Stephens a Hawthorn fan and questioning his judgement, after his Twitter page, which features an image of a Hawthorn banner at the MCG, was strewn across the internet on Monday.
However, former umpire Derek Humprey-Smith has quashed speculation that Stephens supports the reigning premiers.
“No he doesn’t (follow Hawthorn), very clearly,” Humphery-Smith said on SEN radio on Tuesday morning.
“He came down for his first Grand Final in 2014 and took the panoramic shot and just happened to be when the Hawthorn banner was up.
“So, poor Andrew Stephens he’s learnt a bit of a lesson and learnt a bit about Twitter because I understand he got a bit of advice to take the app off his phone.
“But that doesn’t do anything, so maybe he needs some better IT advice as well – but not a Hawthorn supporter.”
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