DISGRACEFUL BEHAVIOR

Hokitika Guardian, 30 July 1924, Page 1

DISGRACEFUL BEHAVIOR

[CI.Y DISPLAY AT AITKI.AXD

AUCKLAND, duly 2-

Disgraceful behaviour by a huge section of the onlookers ai tlie Association football match between Harbour Hoard and Thistle oil Saturday spoiled to a large extent all excellent exposition of tilt* code. Always in a knoekont competition, stteli as tliat tor the falcon ('tip, where the beaten team drops right out of the running, the ieeiiii"' is vary high, but oil this oeeasioii many forgot i'll si n*e id deeency with deplorable result.-.' Karly in the seeoiid spell it became apparent that the excitement had spread to tile players, and that several of them were allowing ill feeling to creep into their methods. The climax was readied when, near the Mile line a Thistle player was seen to raise his list threateningly at one oi the opposing side. Tile constable on duty was right at the -pot and intervened. A section of the spectators then surged „n to the field surrounding most of the players anil the referee. Some appeared to he inciting the players, while the intention oi others was obviou-li to restore order. Hie referee, ttlio cautioned the offending player, was ieoreil tit and hooted in a most unsportsmanlike manner. Eventually tl*e ground was cleared and the game proceeded, hut a certain section continued to hoot atul “Hoo” at the referee. A little latter the referee had. occasion to order off the lield ■ a 1 histle player who was not concerned in the previous incident. This was the signal for o further outburst, and when

the game (inn hided an excited crowd pressed round the players and the referee ils they v.vnt to the dressing rooms. No actual violence was attempted. The r.'gr.v lines appeared content to tell ill" world what they thought of l ines in general. Still the ii'.-'d 'U 1 . was ugh- enough and it should be thorough!;, enquired into. The local mrnagetn oil of the game cannot be blrm -.l in any way lor Saturday's occor;-.'ii -e. it was simol.* ■> cii-e of plovers allowing themselves !o be absohit"lv t a tried away by excitement.