sussex football is hardcore - who'd be a ref

2 match reports

The first Clymping player was sent off for foul and abusive language directed at the referee.
Southwick were winning the game 5-0, goals from Blundell 4 and Logan 1
Following a tackle on him the Clymping number 9 punched a Southwick player in the face several times. In the melee that followed the Clymping number 5 who had already been booked punched another Southwick player in the back of the head.
The referee sent both players off but the 9 did not want to go and butted the referee with enough force to send the referee through the wooden railings. The referee was concussed and suffered a cut eye and bruising to his face and the game was immediately abandoned. He was treated at pitchside by the Southwick physio for about 10 minutes.
The police were called but the players involved had already left the ground.
The referee was taken to hospital and has subsequently been discharged, thankfully with no broken bones.
Stringz is correct that there should be no speculation about what should happen now. The relevant authorities will deal with the situation in the proper manner.
The result pales into insignificance. As football people we should be more concerned about the well being of the referee. He did not deserve any of that treatment and i hope that it will not discourage him from officiating in the future.
The Clymping representatives were very apologetic about the behaviour of the players involved in the incident and made us feel welcome after the dust had settled.

In a bad day for the refs Littlehampton Resereves had 4 players sent off in 10 minutes against steyning reserves as their frustrations over decisions got the better of them. Apparently the players, management and a supporter on the pitch from Littlehampton all gave the ref a pretty torrid time. The ref was threatended with physical violence and seriously intimdated with players 'right in his face' and had no choice but to finish the game early and was given protection after the game for his own safety. One player also decided to trash some of the Steyning Town equipment and decided to throw a bin over the fence out of the ground.

Why do knobs like this ruin the game. Whatever their frustrations these actions from Littlehampton are inexcusable. Grow up I say. I hope now they have time to reflect they are embarassed about thier behaviour. This raises an interesting point as to whether the club themselves will do anything about this as clubs need to be on top of things like this.

Im sure the refs report will give the full details and I hope the book is thrown at them because as i say it is indefendable!

Steyning won 2-1 by the way.

Posted By: SCC 28, Mar 27, 08:01:47