Refs boycott junior rugby league games - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Refs boycott junior rugby league games

By Wayne Heming 19/06/2009 03:27:59 PM Comments (0)

Angry Rockhampton rugby league officials are continuing to hunt for a "cowardly person or persons" who fractured a young referee's skull with a rock after a junior match at Elizabeth Park last Sunday.

All junior games, involving around 900 players, have been cancelled this weekend after referees voted during the week to boycott matches until investigations are completed.

Adam Hudson, 23, had to be hospitalised after being hit in the head by a large rock as he was leaving Elizabeth Park after a Rockhampton Tigers' home game against Gracemere.

He was kept in hospital for observation overnight and has suffered headaches since.

The Rockhampton Rugby League Referees' Association (RRLRA) said the boycott of all junior matches would remain in force until the Rockhampton Junior Rugby League (RJRL) completed investigations into the nasty incident.

They are also campaigning for a crowd control official to be present at every game.

The Tigers are carrying out their own investigation through chairman Brian McKean - a police officer in the district.

There'll be no junior games played until the RRLRA are satisfied it's safe for their members to return to the field.

Police have asked for any witnesses to the incident to come forward.

RJRL president Paul Jensen was shocked by the incident, describing it as one of the worst he'd seen in his nine years in the position.

"We're talking about a cowardly attack," he told the Rockhampton Bulletin newspaper.

"It could have been worse - the poor bugger could be dead."

Jensen said Hudson, a young family man, had not been able to go to work this week.

"I feel really bad and we're looking to compensate him financially so he is not left out of pocket," Jensen told AAP on Friday.

He said Hudson had noticed a group of youths walking away with their heads bowed after he was struck in the head.

Queensland Referees Operations director John Topp told AAP the incident was among the worst he'd encountered.

"It's a negative for rugby league but a positive that it's being highlighted. We applaud and fully support the Rockhampton Junior Rugby League and the referees for their actions," Mr Topp told AAP.

"It's a bad one and we need to take a strong stance and make sure we deliver a clear message to people."

Disgusted RRLRA president Houshyar Fallah described Hudson's attacker as a "filthy grub" who should be kicked out of the game for life.

"It's hard enough recruiting and retaining referees without incidents like this," he said.

"People put a lot of time and effort in so that these young kids can play footy, yet the actions of this filthy grub has the potential to undo all of that."

The RJRL's executive will meet with referees and other officials on Monday with the boycott likely to be lifted the following weekend allowing junior games in the area to be played.

Brought to you by AAP AAP © 2024 AAP

0 Comments about this article

Post a comment about this article

Please sign in to leave a comment.
Becoming a member is free and easy, sign up here.

« All sports news