FOOTBALL FIGHT

Hokitika Guardian, 18 September 1933, Page 2

FOOTBALL FIGHT

REGARDING STAKE OF 30s. , BOTTLES, STONES AND KNIVES. CAPETOWN, September 9. •; The r Uitlcyk football team went to pla.y Mn loti sad, also in the Ventersclorp.' ’district. The stakes of 30s a side were placed in the hands of the referee, who’ had to hand the money over to the winners. During the play, while running after , the ball, one of the - Uitkyk plays knocked over a Moloti players, incensed, . the latter got up and attacked his opponent, and within a few minutes a general fight was in progress.

The ball ; \v,as forgotten and stones, knives and even empty bottles were requisitioned’ instead.' I'lie Uitkyk captain called .a halt, and suggested that the game be adjourned 'until another day. The captain of Molotisad objected saying that as Maloti were leading by two points they were entitled to the money,The fight was thereupon renewed, and, heavily outnumbered and beaten, the Uitkyk side had to run to their lorry ,pursued by Molotis with sticks and stones. One of the Uitkyk reserves, not being required to play, went over to the stand and passed his time drinking Kaifir beer. When he felt he hud had enough, ho proceed in leisurely fashion to the football field—knowing nothing about the fight.' The Molotis caught him and gave him a severe beating, and afterwards, seeing ho was unable to move on account of the injuries he had' received they took him into one of their huts and tended him. Fearing that the injured man might die, they eventually went to the police and laid a coni,paint of assault against the Uitkyk natives. The police examined some of the Moloti natives, and found they had many scars and wounds. The Molotis alleged that the Uitkyk boys used knives.

Charges of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm were laid against the Uitkyk team, and they were charged at the Koster Periodical Court before the magistrate of Rustenburg. Mr Mort Jooste appeared for the Uitkyk natives. On the conclusion of the evidence, the msgistrate discharged the accused. He said he did not blame the police for bringing the charge, but the Molotistad players should have been better sportsmen and not have taken into court their disagreements on the football field.