‘Look’ at soccer ref. sought

Press, 23 June 1978, Page 4

‘Look’ at soccer ref. sought

(By

DAVID LEGGAT)

The letter of complaint concerning the handling of the Trans Tours-Woolston W.M.C. Rothmans Soccer League match last Saturday by the referee iMr Harry Videler) was described yesterday as "low-key and certainly not dictatorial.” In the match at English Park, .Mr Videler awarded two firsthalf penalties to United in a bitterly-contested match, which United won 4-1. A member of the Woolston committee (Mr Keith Barnett) said that the club was not trying to get into an argument with the New Zealand Referees’ Association. “We feel that all ue are trying to do is to get the association to have another look al the I man to see whether he is up to scratch for Rothmans league matches.” said Mr Barnett. He added that it was suggested in a letter to the N.Z.R.A, that “never again” should a local I referee be put in charge of a local derby. The Woolston coach (Mr Terry Mann) said that he had not been entirely happy with Mr Videler in the three matches Mr Videler, has controlled this season in* voicing Woolston. Those three

games were Use first of the season against United, one against Courier Hangers and last Satinday's fixture. ”1 don't feel he clamped down enough on hard play, particularly in the Courier Hangers match.” said Mr Mann. ■'There were a lot of fouls against us in that game. If he is so concerned about rough play, why were one or two Courier players not booked?" Mr Mann is adamant about one incident in last Saturday's match, however. In a newspaper report two days ago, Mr Videler said that he "had declared the ball dead before speaking to the two players involved in a scuffle." Mr Mann said Mr Videler certainly did not stop the gama and added that he had spoken to I several people after the game • who would back up ills assertion. "If he did stop the game I would be Interested to know I how he re-started it.’’ Mr Mann's point is a valid one. Mr Videler appealed to step between the two players. Colin Chisholm (Woolston) and Mark McNaughton (United), but plav seemed to continue. There was no drop-ball to re-start the game.