DISORDER AT FOOTBALL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18772, 28 July 1924, Page 6

DISORDER AT FOOTBALL.

CROWD HOOTS THE REFEREE.

ANGRY CLUB SUPPORTERS.

SCENE AT VICTORIA PARK.

Disgraceful behaviour by a large section of the onlookers at the Association football match between Harbour Board and Thistle, on Saturday, spoiled to a large extent what was otherwise an excellent exposition ctf th& code. Always in a knock-out competition, such as that for the Falcon Cup, where the beaten team drops right out of the running, the feeling is yory high, but on this occasion in any forgot all sense of decency, with deplorable results. Early in the second spell it became apparent that the excitement had spread to the players, , and that several of theme were allowing ill-feeling to creep into their methods. A climax was reached when, near the sideline, a Thistle player was seen to raise his fist threateningly at one of the opposing side. A constable on duty was right at the spot and intervened. A section of the spectators then surged on to the field, surrounding most of the players, and the referee. Some appeared to he inciting the players, while the intention of others was obviously to restore order. The referee, who cautioned the offending player, was jeered at and hooted in a most unsportsmanlike manner. Eventually the ground was cleared and the game proceeded, but a certain section continued to hoot and " boo " at the referee.

A little later the referee had occasion to order off the field a Thistle player not concerned in the previous incident. This was the signal for a further outburst, and when the game concluded an excited crowd' pressed round the players and referee as they went to the dressing rooms. No actual violence was attempted. The angry ones appeared content to tell the world what they thought of things in genteral. Still the incident was of an ugly nature enough and one that should be thoroughly inquired into.

The local management of the game cannot be blamed in any way for Saturday's occurrence. It was simply a case of certain of the crowd and players allowing themselves to be absolutely carried away by excitement.