RUGBY INQUIRY.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVI, Issue 174, 24 June 1926, Page 6

RUGBY INQUIRY.

AUCKLAND INCIDENT.

TWO PLAYERS CAUTIONED. Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, June 24. The ordering off the field of F. Lucas and P. Webber during a club Rugby football match last Saturday was investigated last night by the management committee of the Auckland Rugby Union. The refreee, Mr Pemberton, ordered Webber off on the allegation that ho punched an opponent on the ground, and Lucas on the allegation that lie used obscene language to the referee. The committee, after rejecting three amendments, decided that, Lucas being an All Black and Webber an Auckland representative, the ordering off and the publicity given were sufficient punishment, but that both players be cautioned. It was also decided to commend tho referee for his action. Four members recorded their dissent, being of the opinion that the punishment was inadequate. Both Lucas and Webber denied the offences alleged against them.

ADDITIONAL PARTICULARS

AMENDMENTS REJECTED,

AUCKLAND, June 24. Mr Pemberton, the referee, at the outset of the Rugby, inquiry, said he could not say whether Webber had been “dealt with” and was ingWebber, in reply, said there was no punching on either side, it being more or a mix-up than anything else. Regarding Lucas. Air Pemberton said he thought that this player acted on the spur of the moment in making the remark complained of. Lucas said he did not use the expression complained of, hut another, which he quoted to the committee. He admitted that lie might have lost his head. Webber and a Marist player might have been having a slight wrestle, but no blow was struck. Mr Kronfeld then moved the resolution that was finally carried. Mr Belcher moved ail amendment that both men be suspended for one playing Saturday only. Messrs Belcher and Potter voted foi the amendment. Mr O’Brien then moved that Lucas he suspended for two playing featuidavs, and that Webber be cautioned. Only two voted in favour of tins amendment. , Mr Oram amoved that Webber be cautioned, and that Lucas be asked to apologise to the referee and bo suspended until he did so. - Only three voted for this amendment. Mr Ivronfeld’s motion was then carried.