Ugly Riot Delays Rugby Test In South Africa

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30231, 9 September 1963, Page 12

Ugly Riot Delays Rugby Test In South Africa

(N.Z. Press Association—<Copyright) PORT ELIZABETH, September 7. One of the ugliest international sporting riots disrupted the fourth Rugby Union test between South Africa and Australia at Boet Erasmus stadium, Port Elizabeth, today.

Thousands of coloureds and black Africans demonstrated in toe closing stages of the match and play was held up for four minutes. Even then play continued with some white spectate r on the field —on the sidelines and in Australia's goal area.

The demonstration occurred after the award of a try to the South African forward, J. Naude. When several hundred non-whites tried to climb out of their enclosure they immediately clashed with non-white and white police. Bottles were hurled on to the field and several just missed players. Police flung bottles back at the demonstrators and a number of people, including some women, were injured.

As the clash continued, thousands of the non-whites streamed away from their enclosure and smashed cars with stones. Later it was estimated that about 50 cars were extensively damaged. Police fired shots into the

air in an effort to curb the violent disturbance. The non-whites had barracked unceasingly for the Australians. In the fracas, the Australian centre, B. Ellwood, saw a bottle whistle over his head and land near the referee. Captain Piet Myburgh. Soon after, an empty gin bottle landed at the feet of the Wallaby hooker, P. Johnson. The Australians’ play suddenly disintegrated. As one player later said: ‘‘How can you play test football and watch out for possible flying bottles at the same time.” The Australians were disgusted at the way the police hurled bottles back into the dense non-white crowd. The Australian players said they had been scared of injury. They also were annoyed that play was allowed to continue while some white spectators still were on the field.

Experienced observers considered the riot the worst to occur at an international Rugby match. (Report of Match, Page 16)