UNRULY FOOTBALLERS.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 5142, 22 June 1927, Page 2

UNRULY FOOTBALLERS.

PLAYER’S APPEAL DISALLOWED.

PAEROA UNION’S FIRM STAND.

An echo of the behaviour of a number of players in the junior match East versus Netherton at Pa.eroa on Saturday, June 11, was heard at a committee meeting of the Paeroa Ruby Union on Monday night. It will be remembered that during the game two East a.nd two Netherton players were ordered off the field for unseemly behaviour. At the meeting on June 13 the referee attended in person and supported the remarks contained in his report. After hearing considerable evidence the meeting suspended L. Potter (Netherton) and G. Morrow (East) for three months as from June 13, and W. Potter (Netherton) and J. Goonan (East) for two playing Saturdays. The decisions were reopened at the meeting on Monday night last, when the following appeal from Gi Morrow was read :—

“I herein appeal against the punishment meted out to me by the committee on June 13, qnd ask you to place same before the executive at the earliest possible moment, as I think I have been harshly treated. My appeal is based on the following: (1) 1 have played under no other union but Paeroa. except when, attending school. I. played about three matches last season, and have played all through this season up to the present. (2) From the evidence of the referee and I understand, some of your committee agree, L. Potter was the aggressor. With that I agree, and would any member of the committee take a blow without retaliating ? (3) I have never previously been warned or put off the field. I understand the two Potter brothers have both been put on the- side-line for the breach for which I. have been punished. I ask your committee to give this application for reinstatement a fair hearing. I will appear at your next meeting if instructed, and can bring witnesses in support of my objection. I spoke the truth on all questions asked by the union.” DECISION OF COMMITTEE.

In opening the discussion the chairman (Mr C. T. Mettam) said that he saw no reason why the committee’s decision should be altered. The writer had admitted striking a player. ' Mr H. M. Shand pointed out that the evidence had a tendency to show that Morrow had not been the aggressor.

Messrs C. H. Potter a.nd J. Pinder strongly objected to the committee’s decision being altered. It was hard on a yoqng player to be punished, but he would have to bear. it. The chairman said that a great deal of evidence had been taken at the meeting on June 13, and the committee had not reached its decision hurriedly. Mi R. Hodson said that the decision arrived at had not been a unanimous one. He for one had not voted. The Chairman : That was your own fault.

Mr Potter said it was useless arguing over thb matter, which wa§ finished with so far as he was concerned. He moved that the appeal be disallowed.

Mr Shand said that he was inclined to agree with the secretary that further evidence should be taken. This 'remark brought Mr Pinder to his feet and he seconded the resolution, adding that the committeeshould stand fast on its decision.

Thereupon Mr Hodson moved and Mr Shand seconded that Morrow and his witnesses be heard.

On a showing of hands the amendment was lost, only the mover and seconder supporting it. The resolution was then put and qarried by four to two.

USE OF BAD LANGUAGE.

Two other player.s, H. Moore (East) and E. Williams (Netherton) were ordered to appear before the union on the information of the referee that, arising out of the same match Moore, it was alleged, had used bad language to Williams, and the latter wanted to fight.

The meeting went into committee to hear the evidence of the players concerned. After carefully considering the evidence adduced Moore was severely cautioned and was ordered, to apologise , to Williams in the presence of the committee.

The apology was made and accepted.