Arabic version: ميتشل يندد برمي الزجاجات بعد خسارة هاوثورن في النهائي

According to The Guardian, Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell said he wanted to “scream with rage” after Brisbane’s dramatic AFL preliminary-final victory, while condemning fans who threw bottles and cans towards umpires at the MCG.

Brisbane won 20.11 (131) to 19.8 (122) after Hugh McCluggage kicked the decisive goal following a contentious holding-the-ball free kick against Hawthorn’s Jarman Impey in the final minute. The match featured nine lead changes, including four in the closing minutes.

Mitchell said Hawthorn were in a “mourning phase” after the defeat and described the feeling as “the pits”. He said part of him wanted to cry, scream and throw chairs, but told supporters their emotions should not lead to objects being thrown on to the field.

Hawks players James Sicily, Tom Barrass and Jack Ginnivan exchanged angry words with umpires after the siren. Ruckman Lloyd Meek, who was near Impey when the free kick was awarded, said he would replay the incident for a long time and called the loss heartbreaking.

The AFL Fans Association condemned the conduct. Its president, Ron Issko, said supporters could boo, barrack and disagree with decisions, but said throwing bottles or cans at umpires was never acceptable. Victorian premier Ben Carroll also criticised the behaviour, saying it was “not on” and that people who targeted umpires should be held to account.

Mitchell praised Hawthorn’s final-quarter comeback and said the performance showed the club was a legitimate team. For Brisbane, Kai Lohmann kicked five goals and Harris Andrews starred in defence. The Lions will face Fremantle in next weekend’s grand final as they pursue a third straight premiership.