The match in Horowhenua-Kapiti witnessed the tempers on high when Weraroa took on Paraparaumu club on Sunday (February 17). The game witnessed the player-umpire being kicked in the face repeatedly following the dubious decision. The unpleasant incident took place at the home base of Paraparaumu Cricket Club of the west coast of northern Island of New Zealand.
However, during the unfortunate scenes police has swung into the action to avoid any untoward incident.
According to the Stuff.co.nz, the eye witness told the clash intensified to post the decision of player-umpire from Paraparaumu.
Following the fallout, teammates of player-umpire rescued him.
A witness said victim has received a ‘sucker punch’ while terming the incident as ‘absolute thuggery’.
“If that happened on the street it would be GBH [grievous bodily harm] so how come if it happens on the field it’s fine? I know exactly who did the kicking, everyone saw who it was,” a witnessed wishing anonymity told Stuff.
Reportedly, a couple of Weroroa players chased down the victim to square leg to beat him to the pulp. Later on, the player has denied the assistance from the authorities.
However, following the brawl, police haven’t arrested anyone in this regard. The reports added the victim had broken his nose during the physical assault.
Besides, the investigation has kicked off on pace regarding the alleged violence.
What’s player-umpire?
Since there’s not enough to have officials in the grades club cricket, the players from each team step up to serve as an umpire.
Way back in 2017, the racist slur hurled by one of the Levin OLD Boys’ players at Indian player who represented Kapiti Old Boys saw his team walking off the ground as a mark of protest.
It resulted in the suspension of the player at fault for six months after tendering a public apology.
Following an immediate reaction, the CEO for Horowhenua-Kapiti Cricket Association David O’Brien revealed they had initiated the investigation in the process. He added the miscreants will face severe punishment.
“We are extremely disappointed to hear of allegations of violence on our cricket grounds. Simply, we don’t condone any form of abuse,” NZ Herald quoted O’Brien.
Owing to umbrage from Weraroa led Brett Cole, Horowhenua-Kapiti Cricket Association supremo O’Brien said, the players responsible will be sanctioned on the basis of New Zealand Code of Conduct.
“He had a third kick at him before his team pulled him off,” O’Brien added.
Cole is aiming to seek legal advice.
On the other side, Paraparaumu skipper Craig Pashby wasn’t aware of the fallout owing to his absence.
In conclusion, NZC public relationship manager Richar Boock revealed it’s the intolerable incident. He stressed they’re waiting for the decision before briefing the media.