THERE was 25 minutes to go in the clash between the Glen Innes Magpies and the Warialda Wombats, and the score at 32–16 in the Magpies’ favour when the game was abandoned by referee Peter Watts when he walked from the field.
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Group 19 President Mick Lewis said it was an extreme measure by the referee to abandon the game with 25 minutes to go.
“There are options open to the management committee,” he said.
“We have asked for the relevant reports and a copy of the video, but no decision has been made yet.”
“We only have a vague understanding of what has happened.”
“I believe there was a bit of aggressive play and encouragement from the crowd.”
Lewis said the committee may stand the referee down for a while.
“It was unusual behaviour and there could have been other steps taken,” he said.
“It’s not a good look, but if the ref has a genuine concern, the ref is entitled to do it.”
Magpies Coach Nick Ehsman said the call off was really unexpected.
“All he said was ‘in the best interest of the game, I’m calling this’.”
Magpies’ president Pat Lonergan said it was a very interesting decision from referee Peter Watts.
“there didn’t seem to be anything happening. He just stopped the game and everyone was wondering what happened.” Lonergan said.
