Maybe it is subjective (irony intended). Lots of things in this sport are, starting with something so simple as how long the games should last.
Re-reading
Law 11, and going through the list in 11.2, I can't see how you make the call, unless you think that Smith was intentionally impeding another player are made a failed attempt to play the ball. Based on what went down making the call would require a lot more conjecture than not.
Most people lack the ability to be unbiased when personal interest is on the line. So there would always be questions by those on the losing end of what is perceived to be a close call.