Cops referee thugby match

2003-09-23 09:26

Eunice Visagie

Port Elizabeth - A club rugby match in the Tsitsikamma area turned into a blood bath within minutes after a father decided enough was enough and, using a pole, hit a player who had tackled his son.

Woodlands United coach Baker Smith said: "Even the referee took sides and supported the furious assault of the Sanddrift United players and supporters."

A Woodlands player need 22 stitches after he was assaulted by Sanddrift United players and supporters.

Smith said he already had written a letter to the Eastern Province rugby union, asking for an investigation and stating that steps should be taken against the culprits.

He says: "If EP rugby isn't going to do anything, we are prepared to go even to the rugby football union."

"Such incidents usually don't get enough attention, but this incident was horrible. Steps must be taken."

Smith believes it is high time the communityshould take note of conditions under which the rural clubs play rugby.

Unhappy with the referee

Phillip Joseph, chief executive of the EP rugby football union was unaware of the incident when Die Burger asked him for comment on Monday.

No correspondence from either of the clubs had been received by Monday afternoon.

Sources say the incident started when the referee was named. Smith called on Jackie Joseph, chairperson of the Koukamma sub union, to appoint a neutral referee.

The referee was named and was all set to blow the whistle when the home team, Sanddrift, refused to accept him. They had apparently asked one of their members and Woodlands had to accept.

Smith claims the referee wasn't competent; he couldn't handle any of the incidents on the field and the coaches of the two teams had to help.

Smith said: "I had to contact the police to escort us from the stadium, because the Sanddrift supporters had locked the gates.

"If the police hadn't arrived, I don't know what would have happened."

Smith said that about two hours after the incidents, he managed to get his captain to hospital.

Sanddrift United representatives couldn't be reached for comment on Monday.

- Die Burger