Cruel blow for goal official after a nasty collision.
Normally it’s only players’ injury news that dominates the headlines during the AFL season.
However, for unfortunate goal umpire Courtney Lai his name is being mentioned for all of the wrong reasons after he officiated in the Western Bulldogs game against Fremantle.
The AFL confirmed Lai will need surgery this week to repair the damage done to his anterior cruciate ligament when Bulldog Liam Picken fell across his leg.
Picken was looking to put off Fremantle player from kicking a short-range goal, and in his follow through clattered into Lai who was in immediate pain.
Lai, who is a doctor by trade, has stood in 24 games in the AFL, with the competition confirming he will out of action for around nine months.
Check out the unfortunate accident below:
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