AFL fans are almost unanimous in their view that Harley Reid is copping the wrong end of the stick from umpires despite a former whistleblower’s claims.

On Wednesday, The West Australian revealed the West Coast star has been involved in the most free-kick decisions for any AFL player after 55 games as he looks on track to break his unwanted club record of free kicks conceded in a season.

It’s sparked debate about whether Reid is umpired differently to other players, with fans providing a clear answer.

In a social media poll conducted by The West Australian, more than 98 per cent of the 200 responses said Reid was being overly umpired with plenty of claims of Victorian bias.

“He is umpired differently to other players; it’s no wonder he loses his cool with some of the decisions that are made,” one responder commented.

“The AFL used to get umpires to let Dustin Martin do all sorts of things. Many other favoured players the same. But because Harley plays for the Eagles. Chris Judd saw the difference in umpiring from playing for the Eagles to playing for Carlton,” another wrote.

“I’m convinced the Victorian Bias will never go.”

“Worst treated player in the competition.” “Without a doubt,” others wrote.

However, not everyone agreed, with some accusing Reid of not focusing enough on the game.

“He thinks he is an umpire. Every time he gets tackled now, out go the arms asking for a free kick. Needs to concentrate on the subsequent play that follows,” one wrote.

Claims Reid is treated worse were rejected by former AFL umpire ‘Razor’ Ray Chamberlain, who said Reid is no different to any other player.

“He carries a lot of responsibility, and therefore opposition teams will put a lot of attention into him.

“When you break them all down into individual instances, and you judge them on their own merits, by and large the umpiring is really accurate. There’s the odd (time) when umpires do make mistakes. They’re human, they will err, and then there are times where the fans don’t like it, but it’s the rule.”

However, fans do not agree, forming the overwhelming view that Reid is being unfairly treated.

While teammate Tom McCarthy wouldn’t go quite as far as some of the public views he said the way Reid is treated by umpires is noticeable.

“Unfortunately, sometimes he gets twisted on the wrong end. I’ve heard a lot more players speak more trash than he does,” he said on 6PR.

“I think he gets found out a little bit more than others. I might be a bit biased saying that, but it’s definitely true.”