RUGBY MATCH INCIDENT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20722, 15 November 1930, Page 13

RUGBY MATCH INCIDENT.

PLAYER'S DISQUALIFICATION. INCREASED PENALTY OPPOSED. [BY TELEGRAPH.—OWN CORRESPONDENT.] NEW PLYMOUTH, Friday. The Taranaki Rugby Union last evening decider! to endeavour to reopen the case of E. Roebuck, an Okato player, who was disqualified for life for striking the referee in a match at Okato. The penalty imposed by the Taranaki Union was disqualification for five years. However, this penalty was increased by the New Zealand Union, and the Taranaki Union felt that the punishment was too drastic. The chairman, Mr. J. McLcod, stated that a letter had been sent to the New Zealand Union ' protesting against its action in varying the penalty. Ihe Taranaki Union realised that the offence was a serious one and had deliberated carefully, having before it all the available evidence, before imposing the penalty. When the case was considered by th? New Zealand Union that union had before it only the referee's report and the Taranaki Union's decision. It was suggested that the New Zealand Unions action had been in the nature of a hysterical gesture. , , , It was considered by those present last evening that the New Zealand Union should review its decision and it was resolved to take steps to have the case reconsidered.