Coventry
Cov derby ref claims fan tried to punch him
By Brian Dick , Coventry Telegraph
October 6 2009
COVENTRY have launched an investigation into allegations that a fan aimed a punch at the referee in the aftermath of Friday night’s controversial defeat to Moseley. Young official Luke Pearce had awarded three penalty tries to the visitors, who won 28-25. Although he was not struck, the Rugby Football Union have asked the Butts Park outfit for a response having received a complaint from Pearce and his two touch judges.
The governing body have given Coventry until this morning to make their initial observations but chairman Andrew Green says the Championship club will go further than that and hold their own inquiry.
To that end, he has appealed to anyone who knows anything about the incident to contact the club so that ‘the appropriate action’ can be taken.
“We would ask anybody who has information on this incident to contact the club as soon as possible,” said Green.
“We will treat calls in the strictest confidence but it is imperative we treat this with the utmost seriousness.”
While some members of Friday night’s crowd were bemused by Pearce’s decision to award Moseley three penalty tries, others were angered.
That anger appeared to boil over when the official gave the third and decisive ruling, eight minutes into injury time.
That allowed Moseley to steal victory from a game that Coventry had led for more than half an hour.However, whatever the events leading up to it, Green is unequivocal in his stance.
“I wish to make it clear that we abhor the alleged behaviour, that we will do all in our power to identify the alleged assailant and that we will ban this person from our stadium, once guilt has been established,” he said.
“Coventry Rugby Club wishes to express its profound regret at this alleged incident particularly to the match officials. We are certain that all of our true supporters will subscribe to these sentiments.”
Rugby director Phil Maynard has openly queried the appointment of such an inexperienced referee for a local derby match, but Green dismissed any suggestion that the conduct of Moseley’s players had inflamed the situation.
“We congratulate our long-time friends and opponents, Moseley, on their victory,” he said.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Coventry Rugby Club on 02476 231 001.
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06/10/2009 16:59
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As a Coventry supporter I am disgusted and embarrassed. I thought this type idiotic behaviour was associated with football and not rugby. Maybe the culprit is one of the new bred of fan that has been attracted to Friday night rugby. I do hope it is not an established supporter.
he is merely trying to deflect blame from his inept refereeing performance.
no, it isn't right if it happened, and the person concerned should be punished......as should the referee.
what a dipstick he really is.
Blatant cheating which the RFU have admitted.
1. No one should assault or attempt to assault an official or player.
2. There were a lot of frustrated and angry supporters who were giving vent to their feelings- they have a right to do so, but within acceptable perameters.
3. For a young and inexperienced referee to be given such a fixture reflects badly on those who roster the referees.
4 A young referee needs mentoring at local and junior club level before being thrust into the National scene. Also a young ref. needs help from both of his assistants who in this case were older more experienced persons.
5 While there might be some justification for his award of the first penalty try - he was hasty with the award of the second one.
During the second half Moseley had a put in deep in our 22 - we disrupted their scrum - gained possession and scored a brilliant try. Unfortunately when Moseley were rewarded another put in close to our line in the 8th minute of injury time the young lad forgot the earlier break out try scenario and totally misread the situation. Moseley tried it on - the ref bought it and we lost 3 valuable league points.
6.All that said - we had enough goal kicking chances which if taken would have put us out of sight. Taking the field without a good goal kicker is rediculous. We also took 30 minutes to realise that that the game had started and once we went 11 points clear - we went into defensive mode.
7 Replacing Walls at a crucial time was baffling - he is probably our most experienced playes and would have handled the later pressure better then his replacement.
woods, it's in the hipflask! (Steve Emms)
' COME ON COV '
Quote:just read it myself and i'm wondering if the scribe will have it in the brummie post ? me thinks notLoveCov
After reading the report in todays telegraph and The RFU agreeing the ref was wrong and with some Moseley players admitting they cheated, shouldnt The RFU order a replay to the game. As it has now been proved the whole thing was a farce and the result could have dire consequences for Cov we should have the chance to put the record straight.
woods, it's in the hipflask! (Steve Emms)
' COME ON COV '
It's pretty clear that the RFU are obliged to accept the responsibility for putting an entirely inexperienced Ref into a situation which was far beyond his capabilities.
covmick/Michael Carter
my assessment of the ref has been agreed with by the rfu.
yes, i do make retorical remarks because it adds to the debate.
the rfu should now replay the match to ensure cheating and ineptitude will never win the day.
woods, it's in the hipflask! (Steve Emms)
' COME ON COV '
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