The four AFL field umpires involved in the Round 9 match between Fremantle and Collingwood are weighing up their legal options following criticism from high-profile media members and AFL greats in the wake of Magpies forward Lachie Schultz's concussion.

The saga began with Schultz struggling on the Optus Stadium field after a collision involving Dockers player Jordan Clark, with Schultz assisted from the ground as play continued.

The umpires involved were questioned as to why play wasn't brought to a halt, with an initial AFL statement relaying that the match officials were not aware of Schultz, before audio confirming the umpires were aware was brought to light.

The AFL then released a further statement, revealing the initial statement was "incorrect", with football boss Laura Kane taking the blame for the failed processes.

The saga sparked commentary in the media that placed pressure on the four umpires involved - Simon Meredith, Craig Fleer, Justin Power and Martin Rodger, who are now assessing their legal options.

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A statement provided toย 9 Newsย from AFL Umpires' Association boss Rob Kerr confirmed the four field umpires could take the matter further after pundits 'cast aspersions on their integrity and professional competence'.

"The umpires involved in the Fremantle vs Collingwood game have been advised as to their legal rights in relation to some of the commentary that followed the Lachlan Schultz concussion issue," the statement read.

"Being falsely accused of lying and misleading the AFL goes beyond simply questioning the management of the actual incident.

"Public commentary that casts aspersions on an individual's integrity and professional competence, particularly when that is core to the role they perform, harms their personal and professional standing and it is reasonable to consider how that can be rectified."

9 Newsย has stated that the four umpires could take legal action againstย The Agenda Settersย analysts Kane Cornes, Luke Hodge and Dale Thomas for comments made on May 13.

Whether the umpires at the centre of the saga pursue legal action or not remains to be seen.