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An incident at a secondary schools soccer tournament last week has led to the cancellation of tomorrow's showpiece finale to the Auckland season.
Auckland Grammar School has pulled out of the Knockout Cup final against Mt Albert Grammar and their decision was backed last night by the school's
executive and board.
In a statement, headmaster John Morris said: "This reluctant decision is the result of a most unfortunate incident involving the MAGS coach Mr Kevin Fallon in a semifinal game between the two schools in Napier.
"This decision has not been taken lightly. Indeed, the school left the decision up to the players, who felt the nature of this particular incident as well as previous ones involving Mr Fallon meant this was the most appropriate action."
The incident followed "an altercation" during a match at a tournament in Napier, which led to one player from each side being sent off. MAGS went on to win the final of the tournament.
Later that day, the NZ Secondary Schools Football Association suspended the two players for one match, but took no action against Mr Fallon.
Tomorrow's Auckland final - a repeat of last year's, which Auckland Grammar won - was to have followed the Junior Knockout Cup final between MAGS and Westlake Boys High School.
Mt Albert Grammar head Dale Burden described Auckland Grammar's decision as "bizarre", especially as Mr Morris had not contacted him since a brief discussion last Thursday.
"I am at an absolute loss to understand why they [Auckland Grammar] are not playing. I have received no complaints from anyone and certainly no evidence. I have received all sorts of accounts of what happened - including one that intimated Kevin Fallon had been assaulted."
Mr Morris, a former NZ goalkeeper, said: "The school regrets having to take such drastic action. AGS strongly values its relationship with MAGS, a brother school for over 80 years, but feels a stand needs to be taken in the long-term interests of the game at secondary school level."
Auckland schools association chairman Dave Bagwell said having to call the final off was "bringing the game into disrepute", as finals day was seen as a marquee occasion.
The association will consider today whether Auckland Grammar will forfeit the game or moves will be made to persuade the 1st XI to play.
Mr Fallon said last night: "I would prefer not to comment. I feel it's a matter between the two headmasters."
