FOOTBALL ROUGHS.

Hokitika Guardian, 30 May 1925, Page 1

FOOTBALL ROUGHS.

PKI'KIIKK THiMOATKMa). m XKDI.V, May i’ll. The executive of the Otago pix>t tinil Association was kept busy for a loup; time last, night dealing with complaints from the referees against the rough nature of tile games over whieh they idlieialed within the last fortnight. The Port Convent second grade team was specially criticised. .Mr \V. 1. Sudden, the referee In lhc> maieh ia which they played on Saturday, said that on the day’s play they required a severe caution from the association, as the majority was out to “play the man." “Ji'rom what I eotilt! they were I hi' roughs ol Port Chalmers,” lie said, “not the Port Convent team.” It was decided to write to the chili, pointing out the unsatisfactory condition of this team. Another referee, Mr A. Preston, complained against this team in a match played a fort night ago. for swearing and rough play. lie endeavoured to lake the name of one player, hut he did not appear to have one. lie had threatened to lint the man off. and the player replied that if hr was not careful he would ‘‘flush his face through the hack of his head.” It appeared that this man was a stray picked up on the ground, lie was suspended during the pleasure of (lie association. A referee commented on the attitude of the bnrraelicrs. “If I had said one word out of place.” he said “1 would never have got awav alive. I kept very quiet.” It was said of another referee at Mosgiel that had lie not lieeii assisted hv the taxi men he would not have got away from the mob. The referee and the two captains were instructed lo appear next Monday.