THISTLE SOCCER CLUB WITHDRAWS FROM A.F.A.

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 379, 13 June 1928, Page 13

THISTLE SOCCER CLUB WITHDRAWS FROM A.F.A.

COMPLAINT ABOUT REFEREEING

SUSPENSION OF KAY

Proceedings culminating in the withdrawal of the Thistle Soccer Club from the Auckland Football Association’s competitions were witnessed at the management committee meeting of the association last evening. A deputation IS strong, representing the Thistle senior eleven and club committee, trooped into the room to complain about the “inefficient” refereeing of the Thistle-Belmont match at Devonport last Saturday, and also to protest strongly against the “exaggerated report” of the game which appeared in Monday’s issue of The Sun. Mr. D. Carter, the club captain, said the referee was as inefficient as any he had seen in the 20 years he had played the game, knowing as he did what a referee’s life is like. Mr. Edmond, the other speaker, was chiefly concerned with The S.un’.s report. He complained that there was no hostile demonstration. The report was an insult to the Thistle Club and to the Auckland Football Association. The chairman, Mr. R. Harrison, appealed to the Thistle Club to see that its team turned out on time in future, while Mr. Wilkes defended the Referees’ Association. KAY’S SUSPENSION UPHELD The judicial committee recommended that the Thistle player, Kay, who was ordered off during the match, be suspended for two playing Saturdays. The management committee confirmed the action of the judicial committee, and thereupon the executive of the Thistle Club informed the meeting that the club would withdraw from the association’s competitions.

Pending the receipt of written advice to this effect by the secretary, the fixtures for next Saturday, in which the Thistle Club is engaged, will stand. In the event of Thistle failing to field teams, the club will be treated as a defaulter.