FOOTBALL AND FISTS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2271, 17 August 1908, Page 3

FOOTBALL AND FISTS.

A BRUTAL MATCH,

Alelbourne football must be akin to the football of the comic papers, judging by the “Argus” report of the match on August Ist between Port Alelbourne and Brighton. From the first ill-feeling was displayed, and towards the close it culminated in a riot. The team which appears to have been responsible for most of the troublo was in a hopeless position in the compition, so that there was not even the plea of anxiety to win to be advanced. A few minutes before time. James, tlie British rover, was the victim of a cowardly attack. He has a habit of boring through a crowd with his head down, but when he attempted his favorite manoeuvre he was met by two “upper-cuts,” one on the right jaw anil one on the left, . which stretched him helpless on the ground. The umpire at- once stopped the play anil took the offender’s name. No sooner had play been resumed, than Robinson, a big Brighton player was seized round the neck, knocked down, assaulted on the ground, and struck again when he got on his feet In the scuffle that ensued many “barrackers” joined, one of whom, having divested himself of his coat, vest, and shirt, stood challenging any Brighton man to fight. AV. Robinson, the captain of the local team, rushed from the half-forward line to his brother’s assistance, and seizing two of the assailants with either hand, prevented them from doing anything further. As the umpire left the ground, a demonstration' was made against him. Port Melbourne barrackers —We need hardly say Port Melbourne lost —• urging their friends to “get to him” and “settle him.” But for the piotection of the police of some of the Brighton players, something serious might have happened. The umpire . went first into the Brighton dressing- , room to take the names of certain players, anil then said he would go to the Port Alelbourne room for a similar purpose. The secretary and .president of the Brighton Club” fearing that he might be molested, went . with .him. It was well that they did so, for no sooner had they, entered the room than the umpire was struck a violent blow on the left cheek, and dropped unconscious on the floor. Half-a-dozen men wanted to put the party out by force, and others were giving them encouragenint. The president of the Brighton Club described the match .as the worst he ever saw. AVe hope it was.