Collingwood fans have been called out as boos echoed around the MCG when ‘Razor’ Ray Chamberlain was granted a guard of honour after officiating his final game. ‘Razor Ray’ officiated his 389th and last game in Collingwood’s victory over Melbourne on Friday night with the 47-year-old saying goodbye after more than 20 years involved in the AFL.
“Never seen you smile so big Brian,” Chamberlain joked when speaking to Brian Taylor before his final game. “20 years…it feels like it has gone in a minute. I think I may have had six good ones too,” Chamberlain added with a smile. While everyone was wishing Chamberlain the best before the game, the post-match scenes left many viewers with a sour taste in their mouth.
Both Darcy Moore and Max Gawn lined-up with their team as the players applauded ‘Razor’ Ray down the tunnel. Fans also waved and cheered goodbye to the popular umpire. Although boos surprisingly rang around the ground at the MCG with some fans either joking or taunting the umpire after years of making calls out in the middle.
And fans from rival clubs have called out the supporters who jeered Chamberlain as an ’embarrassing’ act for an official that has given so much to the game. Others felt the boos were part of the theatre and ‘Razor’ Ray would have expected the reception. Regardless, fans were divided over the scenes at the MCG.
Chamberlain become an iconic figure in the community after Channel 7 commentator Taylor nicknamed him ‘Razor Ray’ early in his career. Chamberlain admitted a few years ago he had become accustomed to the criticism that comes with being an umpire, but he loved his job. “Over the years I’ve learned to understand that generally speaking, people who make reference to ‘Razor’ I’ve never had the privilege to meet them, they haven’t met me,” he said in 2018.
“They just know whoever this umpiring persona is and so I’ve learned to compartmentalise it, the good and the not so good. When I come home, I’m just dad, or ‘Oi, take the bins out’ and then when I go to the footy, I put up with whatever that is. I wouldn’t change any of it.”
Ray Chamberlain involved in bizarre Collingwood finale
Chamberlain’s final game wasn’t without its drama with the fourth quarter halted due to severe weather. The Magpies defeated Melbourne by 46 points at the MCG in front of a sporadic crowd who braved the rain.
As Collingwood and Melbourne’s seasons were winding down with 9:31 minutes left in the game, lightning prompted the umpires to suspend play. A mandatory 20 minute delay was enforced.
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