Game called off after ref threatened

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

HOROUTA players faced up to their referee with clenched fists after a team mate was sent off, leading the intimidated ref to call off the match last Saturday, Poverty Bay Rugby Football Union’s judiciary committee has heard.

The referee was escorted off the field by opposition Ngatapa players.

The player, Thomas Tutakangahau, playing a senior 1 match against Ngatapa at Waikirikiri Park, has been suspended for four weeks.

Committee chairman Adam Simperingham told the Herald no evidence regarding other players was presented to the hearing.

Tutakangahau and the Horouta club, through chairman Geoff Milner, both apologised to the referee before the judicial hearing was held. The player wrote a “contrite” letter.

Horouta have conducted an internal investigation and consider Tutakangahau’s behaviour unacceptable.

The player will be subjected to an “internal stand-down” of two weeks by Horouta, who have vouched to ‘‘committing to improving discipline and personal management of emotions”, Mr Simperingham said.

Swearing and refusing to leave the fieldTutakangahau swore at the referee, was sent off, swore at the ref again and refused to leave the field.

“This resulted in further abuse from other players, some of whom fronted up to the referee with fists clenched.

“As a result, the referee felt scared and called the game off. The referee reported feeling very uncomfortable. He was escorted from the ground by Ngatapa supporters and players.’’

Mr Simperingham said Tutakangahau admitted breaching New Zealand Rugby (NZR) regulations.

The committee, in deciding to impose a four-week suspension, accepted submissions that Tutakangahau was young at 20, had a previously clean disciplinary record and had lapsed in his judgement.

Tutakangahau was remorseful, had apologised and could rehabilitate.

“We have taken account of everything that has been said and form the view that the trouble that occurred afterwards was not Tutakangahau’s fault,’’ said Mr Simperingham.

“He is not responsible for what other players did but no doubt his actions did help precipitate what happened.’’

Tutakangahau’s four-week suspension will start tomorrow but will be discounted by one week if he referees junior rugby for four weeks.

Poverty Bay Rugby Football Union chief executive Marty Davis told The Herald it seemed emotions were high once the game was abandoned.

“Without any reports other than those presented to the judiciary, we must respect the decision reached.

“I am advised that the referee is satisfied with the outcome. Obviously all players, coaches and supporters are aware that serious consequences will follow any further breach,’’ he said.