Geoff Boycott in new strife

Press, 26 November 1982, Page 32

Geoff Boycott in new strife

NZPA London The former test cricketer, Geoff Boycott, is at the centre of a new storm. Les Phillips, vipe-cbair-man of Wimborne Community Association in Dorset, vowed never to let the batsman into the towns community centre again after he said he was told in fourletter words to go away. He said last evening: “Mr Boycott may complain about the image the press has given him, but after meeting him I think that image is fair and accurate.” The trouble blew up after Boycott arrived over 20 minutes late for a dinner at which he was to address 230 local cricketers.

Mr Phillips claimed that when his son went to collect

Boycott from his hotel, the batsman was watching

cricket on television and refused to leave until it was over. When he did arrive, he refused to give his speech unless journalists agreed not to report it. Then when he was interrupted during a press interview, Boycott told Mr Phillips: “What do you want now... whv don’t you f... off. Just f.'.. off.” Boycott also angered the organisers by leaving the top table even though there was another speaker still to come. They also claim he counted his fee and expenses of £650 three times before accepting it and then asked for extra travelling expenses, which were refused.