Late sport Refree suspended, explanation sought

Press, 18 April 1979, Page 6

Late sport Refree suspended, explanation sought

P 4 Wellingtor The New Zealand Soccer Referees’ Association last evening suspended a referee, Mr John Cameron, until he explains why he unofficially took charge' of a national league soccer match in Auckland on Sunday.

Mr Cameron agreed at the last moment to referee the Mount WellingtonBlockhouse Bay match when it was discovered that no official had been appointed. The N.Z.R.A. said that it did not make an appointment because it had not been notified by the New Zealand Football Association that the game — a rearranged fixture — was taking place.

However. the Football Association’s fixtures coordinator, Mr lan Smith, said he informed the referees’ body of the fixture on either April 4 or 5. The Referees’ Association publicity officer, Mr Jim Reid, said last evening: “Mr Cameron has been suspended forthwith until we receive from him a written explanation of his conduct and his remarks to the press after the game.” Mr Reid said Mr Cameron had told an Auckland newspaper he would be suspended for refereeing the Mount

Wellington match. Mr Cameron was also quoted in an NZPA report from Auckland yesterday as saying: “Morally, I believe I was right. But there is no question I broke the Referees’ Association rules.” His indefinite suspension is certain to provoke a strong reaction in Auckland soccer circles. Day-long talks at Newmarket Park, on Monday, between the N.Z.F.A., Auckland F.A. and referees’ officials failed to clear up Mr Cameron's. position. But the Auckland F.A. chairman. Mr Charlie Dempsey. who is also the N.Z.F.A. vice-chairman, made it clear that he backed Mr Cameron s action.

Mount Wellington has already taken a similar stand, as has Don Jones, the coach of Hanimex North Shore, which won the Air New Zealand Cup on Monday. “If he is removed from the panel of Rothmans referees, my club will be up in- arms,” said Mr Jones. "He’s the best referee in the country.” . Mr Reid, in announcing Mr [Cameron’s suspension last [evening described the rearrangement of national •league fixtures this season as [“farcical.” Already 14 matches had been altered.