THE SOCCER TROUBLE

Evening Post, Volume LXXXVI, Issue 45, 21 August 1913, Page 2

THE SOCCER TROUBLE

CASE OF THE LINEMAN. As a result of the decision of the Appeal Board set up to enquire into the appeal from the Corinthian Association i'ootball Club regarding the suspension of several of its members, a rehearing of the case of Mr. T. Crouch, president of the club, who acted as n, lineman at the match ih which the trouble occurred, was held at last night's meeting of the management committee of the Wellington Football Association. Mr. Crouch appeared on a charge of "unduly interfering with the proper conduct of the game." Several witnesses also attended and gave evidence. Cross-examined, the captain of the Diamonds team stated* that' in his opinion Mr. Crouch was influencing the referee in his decisions, and he entered the field of play on no less than two occasions. These were, however, after play had been stopped by the referee. Mr. M'Keowen, a spectator, considered that judging by the actions of Mr. Crouch when on the field he was inciting the Corinthian team to rebellion, and his presence on the field was not in the best interests of the game. Mr. T. Shields, on being questioned, said that, although he was some distance away and consequently unable to hear what was being said, he did hot think Mr. Crouch was influencing the players, but simply trying to give the referee his version of what took place. When the spectators came on the field of play *at half-time he (Mr. Shields) advised the referee to resume the game as soon as possible in order to prevent the crowd increasing. Mr, Refolds, who was also a spectator, was not close enough to hear what was said on the field by Mr. Crouch, and could not say whether Mr. Crouch was , influencing the players or the referee. He distinctly saw him walk on the field of play on three occasions. Called by Mr. Crouch, Mr. Hinton said that lie saw the lineman in question go on the field of play only once, evidently with the idea of quieting players. He had known Mr. Crouch for many years, and had always found him to be a keen enthusiast— one who would do all he could in the best interests o? Ihe sport. If he (Mr. Hinton) had been a lineman in a match in which a similar occurrence took place he would have certainly gone on the field as Mr. Crouch did. Mr. Crouch then made a statement to the effect that he went on the field with the sole intention of pacifying the players. On account of the crowd of spectators he was compelled to remain on the field of play throughout the whole of the first spell, and did not once stand outside the line. As a lineman he considered it his duty to act as he did. Further consideration of the case, was then deferred until next meeting. POST-CARD REPUDIATED