AN APPARENT misunderstanding surrounding the 6-6-6 rule is believed to have led to Dale Thomas' verbal tirade towards boundary umpire Michael Barlow over the weekend.

The Match Review referred the Carlton veteran directly to the AFL Tribunal on Tuesday night, with Thomas allegedly calling Barlow a "f***ing cheat" during Sunday's 93-point loss to Greater Western Sydney.

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Thomas had just conceded a contested mark and goal to Giants midfielder Lachie Whitfield, before launching his verbal tirade towards the umpire as the two teams were setting up.

It's understood the Giants had seven players in their forward 50 just prior to the restart, before Barlow informed the group that one player had to leave to avoid receiving a warning for breaking the League's newly imposed 6-6-6 rules.

Thomas, believing the umpire had overstepped his responsibilities in doing so, broke away from a Carlton trainer and delivered the words that have left him in hot water.

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The AFL clarified on Tuesday that all boundary and field umpires are instructed to assist teams in ensuring they uphold the 6-6-6 rules before play is officially restarted.

The League also confirmed that all clubs were made aware that umpires would be doing this during the off-season.

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Speaking on Tuesday morning, Thomas said he was shocked to have been reported for the incident on Sunday.

"To be completely honest, I was surprised when I got told I was on report at the start of the fourth quarter," he said.

"Firstly, I obviously respect the umpires and everything they do in the game, not just at our level but all levels.

"I think going in there tonight, I'll be able to give context to what was actually said out on the ground.

"I'm not excusing some of the language that was used in and around that, but the wording as such and the context in that will hopefully give greater understanding.

"I can't say too much as it's before the Tribunal."

Thomas' case will be heard at 5pm AEST on Tuesday afternoon, while Richmond's Ivan Soldo will also challenge his one-match ban for striking Hawk James Worpel.