“NO GAME"

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 11223, 31 May 1922, Page 3

“NO GAME"

TTTPI EASTBOURNE APEAIR. SPECTATOR BEFORE COMMITTEE. In regard to the alleged interference of a referee by a -spectator in a match about a fortnight ago in which the Eastbourne team were participating, tlie matter, which lias been previously given publicity, was brought to finality at tlis meeting of the management committee of the Rugby Union last night, when those concerned gave their versions Of the incident to the full meeting. “IN A HEATED MOMENT." Mr T. H. Reidy, the referee, said the incident occurred after the game, when “the gentleman" came up to him and caught hold of .him. Eleven if he had done something innocently, a man 'had no l-ight whatever to interfere in the manner suggested. He congratulated the captain of the Ebstbourne team for his kindness in the dressing slied, and in telling the man to desist. He thought that piobablv the man had acted “in the heat of the moment.” It was not, however, correct procedure to adopt the method of ventilating disapproval by intercepting the referee. _ ... The captain of the team, Mr Walling, said that lie did not know a great deal about the incident. On several occasions be had occasion to make requests to spectators who were making themselves a nuisance on the bank.

INCIDENT REGRETTED.

Mr Stevens, the spectator in question, 6aid it was in his opinion a trivial offence, and the statement was an exaggerated one. He pleaded guilty to trying to nttract the referee s attention, but certainly not to using violence in any shape or form. Ho merelv caught the man by the sleeve with the forefinger and thumb. As a matter of fact he had previously hurt his arm, and was not capable of using any violence. It wus unfortunate, he said, that so much publicity had been given the incident, as that in itself was sufficient punishment. Eastbourne was endeavouring tn form a new club, and it meant that although no names ware actually mentioned, it was sufficient to predjudiee their chances at progress. There was a good deal of feeling frequently after for,tball matches, and probably he did not sea eve to eye with the referee. He regretted

the incident, which had been the first ol its kind in his football career. BREIiCH OF FOOTBALL ETIQUETTE. Mr Prendeviilo said that in spite of what had been said, it was not regard* ed ns in conformity of football law. It tl»l* kind of thing because an everyday practice it was not in the interests of football itself. ASt'r consideration it was decided to accept the explanation riven by Stevens, and take no further action. At the same time it was pointed put that the man had committed an act of indiscretion. The referee heM a high He gave ur> his holiday weekly, and it was in the best interests of the game. It was also decided to thank Mr Walling, the captain of the team, for warning those troublesome spectators on the ground. * t NO GAME. In regard to appeal against the ruling of the referee in the »Tarti , -ular match, lodged by the Eastbourne Club, a letter received from the referee, Mr Reidy, stating that under the circumstances there was a **ood deal of feeling issuing from certain spectators on the bank, and he had awarded a goal without the kick taken. Since his action lie believed that his ruling had not been entirely correct. ,\fter-'dfs? r tfssing the matter it was decided that Hhe game he taken at present as "rot played/* and deferred for the time being/