Turner off for three matches

Press, 5 July 1983, Page 40

Turner off for three matches

Grant Turner, the New Zealand soccer international, was suspended for three matches by the Canterbury Football Association’s judicial committee last evening.

The decision was not unanimous and indeed Turner was lucky not to receive a heavier suspension, according to the judicial committee’s chairman, Mr Peter Donnelly. Turner was sent off in Christchurch Mogal United’s most recent game, against Manurewa nine days ago, for foul and abusive language to the referee. It was the second occasion this season that the fiery midfielder has been sent off and Mr Donnelly said it was felt that Turner had been very leniently treated on his first appearance before the committee in May. Turner, who seems likely to rejoin Gisborne City, did not appear before the committee, but a New Zealand Football Association councillor, Mr Trevor Gottermeyer, did speak on Turner’s behalf. Turner wrote a letter in his defence, quoting extenuating circumstances, but according to Mr Donnelly the letter was not sufficient defence for his actions. Turner was cautioned at Nelson a week before his second dismissal and the committee felt his actions on that occasion warranted a sending off. He was cautioned for an abusive and racist remark to an opponent and then, by actions, he insulted the referee.

At first Turner looked like receiving a four-day suspension until an amendment reduced his punishment to three days.