CURIOUS INCIDENTS AT FOOTBALL MATCH.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18144, 2 May 1927, Page 1

CURIOUS INCIDENTS AT FOOTBALL MATCH.

FRENCHMAN WALKS OFF AS PROTEST AGAINST REFEREE’S RULING. (Special to the “Star.”) PARIS, March 1. The football match played here today between the Corinthians and a trench team was marked bv several curious incidents, one of which threatend to turn the game into a fiasco. The Corinthians won by two goals to nil In the second half, when the Corinthians were two goals ahead, Nicolas the trench centre forward, beat Howard Baker, the British goalkeeper, with a fast shot from close range, an'd the referee, a Frenchman, appeared to allow a goal, but after a linesman and °” e - j P], a >’ er , s had appealed for ofi-side he ordered, a free kick Loud protests at once arose among the spectators. Chayriguel, the veteran French international goalkeeper, walked the length of the ground and left Several people tried to induce him to return, and Howard Baker took him good-humouredly by the arm. He returned, only to go off again when he found that the referee would not allow the goal. A Gentle Push. The situation was saved by the appearance on the field of the whitehaired president of the International Football Association, M. Jules Rimet. After a few words with the French goalkeeper he escorted him back to the goal posts. A few minutes later a penalty was given against the Corinthians, but none of the French players would take the kick. After several minutes one gave the ball a gentle push into the hands of Howard Baker and the game proceeded. In contrast was an incident following an injury to a French forward near the line. Two Corinthians went to his assistance and brought him round, while the game proceeded for a few moments with three men short. The Corinthians’ action evoked, warm applause. The game was on the whole .closely contested, and the French players were unlucky in not scoring. Both goals were scored—one in each half- —by B. W. Stone, who played centre forward, after some fine pass--IXI The match, which was in aid of French charities, was watched by 25,000 spectators.