AFL Cancels Crows/Cats Game, As The Footy World Mourns Phil Walsh’s Death

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Published

July 3, 2015

The AFL‘s head honcho Gillon McLachlan has announced that the Round 14 game between the Adelaide Crows and the Geelong Cats – originally scheduled for Sunday afternoon at the Adelaide Oval – will not go ahead in the wake of the tragic death of Crows senior coach Phil Walsh earlier this morning.

In a press conference held a short time ago, McLachlan extended the AFL’s sincerest sympathies to Walsh’s family and friends, as well as the Adelaide Football Club players and staff.

“Our game is in mourning today, and I speak for the whole the AFL, our clubs, our players, and our staff in passing our deepest sympathies to Phil Walsh’s family and friends.”

“He was a man of boundless energy, enthusiasm, and great intelligence.”

Despite speculation that the AFL could potentially postpone the full remainder of the round, the AFL decided to cancel the Crows/Cats game in total, with the 4 Premiership Points to be split between the clubs.

“Today, I have spoken with many people in the industry, briefed all our club CEOs, and the commission.”

“We have decided that the game on Sunday between Adelaide and Geelong will not go ahead. This is a decision of the competition in a mark of respect for Phil Walsh.”

“We are strongly of the view that it is not fair to ask the young men of the Adelaide and Geelong football clubs to play under these circumstances.”

“The Premiership Points will be split between the two clubs, as per the AFL rules.”

McLachlan further stated that the remaining seven games of Round 14 will go ahead as scheduled, beginning with tonight’s clash between Collingwood and Hawthorn at the MCG.

“The remaining seven games will go ahead starting tonight. We know the usual passion and fun will not be there. But we know that the clubs will join us in paying respect [to Phil.]”

Earlier, South Australian Police confirmed that Walsh’s 26 year-old son Cy has been charged with his father’s murder. Cy Walsh remains under psychiatric evaluation at Flinders Medical Centre, and will face a bedside committal hearing later this afternoon.

Detectives apprehended Cy at a friend’s house in Glenelg East a short time after being called to the Walsh house. Around lunchtime investigators at the scene removed a knife from a car boot.

Police have appealed for anyone who may have seen Cy during the early hours of this morning to contact them as soon as possible.

SA police urgently seeking information on Phil Walsh’s son pic.twitter.com/dGtp1JwEta (@trisholah)

— Sky News Australia (@SkyNewsAust) July 3, 2015

Elsewhere, the footy world has been in a state of shock and mourning since news broke earlier today. Players, coaches, and media figures have taken to social media to express their shock and grief.

What a tragedy. A great man lost. Thoughts and prayers are with his family. #RIPPhilWalsh

— Alan Richardson (@AlanRichardson) July 2, 2015

So sad to hear of Phil Walshs death. No sense to it. We are all flesh and blood. Love each other. Thoughts with all family and friends.

— Nathan Buckley (@ncb_cfc) July 2, 2015

On behalf of everyone at our Club, thank you for all the support and messages of love and support pic.twitter.com/WHAtUmYrhH

— Adelaide Crows (@Adelaide_FC) July 3, 2015

This from the great man on the day I retired. Advice I’ll take with me forever. pic.twitter.com/GRw11O2Gfb

— Kane Cornes (@kanecornes) July 3, 2015

Thoughts are with family and friends of Phil Walsh and the @Adelaide_FC. Very sad news to wake up to. #RIPPhilWalsh

— Michael Voss (@voss03) July 2, 2015

The entire @PAFC family is in mourning at the news of Phil’s death. He touched the lives of so many during his 10 years with us. Just so sad

— david koch (@kochie_online) July 3, 2015

Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with Phil Walsh’s family and friends, and all at @Adelaide_FC at this tragic time. Rest in Peace.

— Hawthorn FC (@HawthornFC) July 2, 2015

A feeling of shock and disbelief at the @afc HQ. All players and coaching staff remain inside the club. #PhilWalsh pic.twitter.com/oe0vN13zAg

— Alissa Smith (@MissAlissaSmith) July 2, 2015

“In times of adversity is when a true team stands up and comes together” – Phil Walsh. Love you mate.

— Rory Atkins (@RoryAtkins21) July 3, 2015

What a tragedy, in shock. Rest in peace Walshy. Thoughts are with his family at this time

— Shaun Burgoyne (@ShaunBurgoyne9) July 2, 2015

Heart broken. My mentor and my mate #RIPWalshy

— Dom Cassisi (@DomCassisi) July 3, 2015

R.I.P Phil Walsh – such a terrible tragedy

— Warren Tredrea (@warrentredrea) July 2, 2015

Don’t know what to say. Thoughts are with everyone at @Adelaide_FC

— Shaun McKernan (@shaunmck44) July 2, 2015

Absolotely gut wrenching news to wake up to. He was a very good man. #RIPmate

— Dan Hannebery (@DHannebery) July 2, 2015

Footy fans around the country have displayed a show of solidarity by hanging scarves outside in tribute to Walsh and the Crows – similar to the #PutOutYourBats display following the passing of Test batsman Phillip Hughes last year – and shared images online using the hashtags #ScarvesOutForWalshy and #WeFlyAsOne.

A sad day for the entire @afl community. Rest In Peace Phil Walsh #weflyasone #scarvesoutforwalshy pic.twitter.com/wfOFkZvMhC

— Anika (@Anikaa21) July 3, 2015

Heartbroken fans declare #weflyasone with scarves and guernseys tribute. #ScarvesOutForWalshy #RIPPhilWalsh #9News pic.twitter.com/NnJzdJMhcK

— Nine News Adelaide (@9NewsAdel) July 3, 2015

RIP Coach #putyourscarvesout #putyourscarvesoutforwalshy #weflyasone #AdelaideCrows #adelaidefc #scarvesoutforwalshy pic.twitter.com/N7xSBfGhjR

— renny (@rennyesca) July 3, 2015

The FIVEaa office today. #RIPPhilWalsh #scarvesoutforwalshy pic.twitter.com/onn4BpWaA3

— FIVEaa (@1395FIVEaa) July 3, 2015

#ScarvesOutForWalshy RIP Phil Walsh. pic.twitter.com/qR0K2GmlkY

— Sean Thurbon (@the_thurbonator) July 3, 2015

@Adelaide_FC @PAFC
Don’t have any Crows stuff but it’s all about respect, RIP Walshy.
#scarvesoutforwalshy pic.twitter.com/FBC1jbRFbx

— #KS (@_bourbontime) July 3, 2015