AFL general manager of football Laura Kane has moved to clarify the ongoing confusion regarding umpire communications relating to the Lachie Scultz concussion incident, admitting the league had totally failed in its due process.

The AFL and its umpiring department have been at loggerheads over the clash which happened during Collingwood’s Round 9 victory over Freo.

The two parties have very different versions of events from last week’s Optus Stadium showdown in the latest bungled episode from league headquarters.

The AFL was this morning (Wednesday) holding to the belief they were misled by their umpires after last week releasing a statement claiming the four whistleblowers on duty did not see Schultz on the ground – and would have stopped play if they had.

This evening (Wednesday) Kane has moved to clarify that the breakdown in communications didn’t in fact come from the field umpires but the umpiring department.

"Our process in determining what happened Thursday night failed and for that we take full responsibility,” she said.

“Today we have determined there was a miscommunication from members of the umpiring department, not the field umpires, which formed the basis of our initial public statement on Friday.

“Those team members have been counselled and reminded of the importance of ensuring our process is fully followed regarding these types of incidents and in this instance it was not.

“I have asked GM Football Performance Josh Mahoney to review these processes to ensure the right information is communicated and to ensure this does not happen again.

“Everyone, including our umpires are aligned in ensuring the health and safety of players continues to be the upmost priority and the AFL has been in regular contact with the AFLUA today.”

AFLPA criticises the league

AFL Players Association (AFLPA) boss Paul Marsh has criticised the AFL over the Schultz concussion.

The AFLPA chief says this is the latest error when it comes to handling player safety.

In a statement acquired by SEN, Marsh says things are unclear when it comes to dealing with health and safety issues.

“It is now clear that the umpires noticed Lachie Schultz’ injury and had the opportunity to stop the play to ensure he left the field safely,” read the statement.

“What this highlights to us is that the process of dealing with vital health and safety issues on the field is unclear, and there are many recent examples of the industry needing to better prepare everyone for when these situations occur.

“Equally, we are disappointed that the AFL failed to appropriately review a serious on-field incident but acknowledge that they have taken responsibility for this.

“We welcome the opportunity to work with the industry to continually strengthen health and safety protocols for our members.”

“Thrown under the bus”: Umpires filthy with Kane comment