Suspended For Life.

Hokitika Guardian, 6 August 1921, Page 3

Suspended For Life.

“DISOB ACEFUI/ CONDUCT.” PALMERSTON, August 4. As a protest against alleged erroneous rulings b v the referee in the junior match, Kairanga v. Boys* High School played on Saturday, the former team created quite a sensation by 'Turning up” the game and leaving the fieffl. Ihe team’s dissatisfaction with certain rulings of the referee was expressed in such conduct as “cheers for the referee ” invitations to opponent players to “meet after the game,” objectionable language and booting. The climax occurred when the Kairanga team “walked off’’ the field and emphasising their disgust as they disappeared. The penalty for this rash action was the captain's (W. Fenton) suspension for life while the remainder of the team was also suspended, but actual sentence to be held over until next Monday night, when the Manawatu Rugby 1 "ion will again meet. \t Monday night’s meeting, Mr Arnott (referee) did not wish to press the matter except so far as Fenton was •oneerned. Mr A. AY. Thompson: T don't agree ivitli that. The affair was general, and was the most disgraceful 1 have evei leeti. W. Fenton (captain) came before the itnion. He said he called his team off lecause the school had been awarded a try after the ball bad already been forced down by Kairanga. His side looted the referee, after the school's u-st try, because the corner flag was (nocked down when the try was being got. He admitted having invited snell to a fight after the match. Mr Rohertshn-w said it was the most disgraceful thing he had ever seen on i sports ground. Fenton’s attitude li;n’ been most threatening, his language was abominable, and be was the prime mover in the hooting. But lie was not id together “on his own.” Air Thompson said he did not th" ’ anyone had seen such a disgraceful spectacle. On the one side High School played good, clean football, while tin other side were a “howling mob, .lookin' for Rlood,” and their language was shocking. Tn his opinion the referee had been fair and impartial.