Hall’s actions have been widely discussed, especially in light of the provocation from North Melbourne defender Scott Thompson which triggered his reaction.
It’s hard to find a context where a twenty-second iron-clamp headlock can be justified, but Hall has found his symphathizers.
We all know Hall’s baggage after several infamous incidents of him boiling over at former club Sydney, which ultimately led to his axing from the NSW outfit midway through last season.
It’s obvious in the heat of the moment he has had issues managing his anger, but his public displays of remorse following those incidents has often endeared him to the footy public.
But one too many brain-snaps meant the Swans couldn’t afford him any more chances last season and he was cut loose.
Since then – in a big off-season trade – Hall joined the premiership-hunting Western Bulldogs.
Every AFL fan has had a curious eye on the bigman’s plight since heading to Footscray and his blistering NAB Cup form – with a best on ground performance in the Dogs’ Grand Final victory – had many believing he had put his troubles behind him as he was “enjoying his footy again”.
In many ways, Hall’s return this season has been a feel-good story with 25 goals to his name before Saturday’s game.
But it’s been a story which some may have sensed would inevitably take a twist at some point along the line.
That twist was to occur on Saturday, with Hall harrassed by Thompson for fourty minutes before he was tipped over the edge (almost literally) and snapped.
The big full-forward proceeded to take the law into his own hands in quite ugly fashion but many onlookers understood his anger – unlike some of his brain snaps of the past – which is an important point.
Dogs coach Rodney Eade asked afterwards, “What are you supposed to do – cop it?”
Nevertheless, despite the general public’s feeling of sympathy for Hall, the consensus probably expected the big man to cop a suspension, especially given the ferocity of his reaction along with his history and carry-over points.
As well provocation, in the past, has been no excuse for commiting a crime.
But on Monday night, the Match Review Panel differed from the norm.
They decided: “The Match Review Panel took into account the medical report on player Thompson and the relevant footage in determining a charge of rough conduct was not appropriate in the circumstances of this case.”
Basically, it meant Hall could accept a $3000 fine with an early plea and is free to face the Bombers next Friday.
The punishment was formalised on the panel’s decision to downgrade the charge from ‘rough play’ to ‘misconduct’. They did so, as the above quote indicates, by taking into account subjective material such as the medical report on Thompson and the relevant footage. That’s rather unusual.
Indeed in making such a subjective call it seems the MRP displayed an element of sympathy to Hall, which has been present in the sentiments of many footy fans. The MRP’s offering of sympathy certainly came as a surprise.
Why they decided on that I’m not sure, but there’s no doubt Hall’s a lucky boy to get away with this one.
gazz
Roar Pro
Karlos, NM captain Brent Harvey said this type of thing happens alot. PLayers pushing you over when you do up your shoelaces. Normally no big deal. But Hall's reaction (and the fact it was caught on camera) brought this one to the fore. Barry Hall's reaction wasnt acceptable and he shoulda gone.
Karlos
Guest
You need to get cowards like Thompson out of your game. It was weak and pathetic and Barry should have just knocked him out.
nick bencorelli
Guest
his appearances on the Footy Show since he returned to Melbourne have made him more of 'a good bloke'. Maybe there's something in that, its hard to really dislike the guy.
ItsCalledFootball
Roar Guru
Has the growth in Bazza sympathisers corersponded with a return to Melbourne and no longer coming from Sydney?
Duckass
Guest
He (Hall) took the law into his own hands and decided to put a headlock on MRS Thompson rather than belt him . Hats off Barry you used your head for once.
Duckass
Guest
Agree in toto
Jimmy Drama
Guest
Seems like a majority of people are Barry sympathisers.
Redb
Roar Guru
Barry Hall is getting sympathy because most people think being pushed over whilst tying up your shoelaces is a low act and just cause for retaliation. Thompson is actually a very lucky man. Hall got fined becuase the headlock hold went on for too long.
Moonface
Roar Guru
There's a lot of sympathy for Big Bad Barry as the poor little bloke who got picked on and the other bully deserved to be clamped in a head lock. I'd say that all of Barry's agression comes from someone niggling him - he's not that stupid to walk up to his opposing and punch him cold. All his attacks were provoked. Every forward these days gets niggled, provoked, elbowed, pushed, tripped - its part of establishing your territory on the field. The dumb players are the ones who retaliate outside the laws of the game. Is Big Bad Bazz getting more sympathy these days because he plays for a Melbourne team and not a Sydney one any more?
gazz
Roar Pro
Real D is the best D redb. Anyway you're probably right with Essendon lack of nigglers. Prob lucky for big bad Barry!
Michael C
Roar Guru
we'll probably set old go-go-gadget Fletcher get let off on a kicking incident.......that's his usual MO......but, if it's against Hall and Hall erupts!!!
Redb
Roar Guru
I'll be there to see the game in Real D :-) Fletcher rarely niggles, don't recall Pears doing a lot of it either other than the usual push and shove. Lovett-Murray on Barry Hall would be interesting, but he'll play up the ground.
gazz
Roar Pro
But Duckass you cant take the law into your own hands. Sure the umpires acknowledged a free-kick should've been paid, but you cant take the law into your own hands. Especially when you headlock someone for 20 seconds with such ferocity. Strange old decision, but in the end, us sympathetic types are kinda happy to see him get off and get on with playing. Should be an interesting friday evening when the Bombers defenders, Tayte Pears and Dustin fletcher, line up against barry. PLenty of scrutiny on a Friday nite!
Duckass
Guest
Hall was justified , Thompson hid behind protection of cameras. Someone elbowing you in the back constantly is not in line with current rules or standards. Then pushing him over whilst doing up a boot is a cheap shot ! (bit like tripping hey Dustin Fletcher) As an ex player he Thompson got off lucky! End of story
Jimmy Drama
Guest
Thompson deserved the headlock and it was only prolonged by the other mugs teaming up against Barry!
manny
Guest
Another twist in the saga that is Barry Hall's life. I'd love to read his book at the end of it all. This chapter titled, "How I escaped the wrath of the law".... I wonder what message this'll send to young footballers, headlocks are okay?
Michael C
Roar Guru
amazingly short sighted. Hall is a thug - - and being let off (as he effectively has) is a shocking signal by the AFL that effectively condones this form of retaliation. And,.....why would Thompson face anything other than perhaps a free kick if seen (and even there,.......what free kick rule would be enforced???.....a bump in the side........perhaps more than 5 metres from the play???).
dingo
Guest
Common sense prevails.... almost. Thompson gets off scott free for his role in the ugly episode.