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RULE CHANGE, REF!

Crafty Knaphill players have been ordered to replay their match with Sheerwater – after convincing the referee a new rule change had come in.

Referee Gerry Hemment gave a shock goal kick for encroachment when the Sheers thought they had leveled from the spot in the Combined Counties League game. Sheerwater chairman Douglas Mulcahy says the Knaphill players hoodwinked the referee, making him believe there had been a rulebook amendment. The match ending 3-2 to promotion-chasing Knappers, will be replayed this Wednesday after the league said an error in law was made. Rules state a penalty must be retaken if a player enters the penalty area before the ball is struck.

Mulcahy said: “I felt sorry for the referee. He’s a decent man who’s made a mistake. The players surrounded him and convinced him a change in the laws had come in last summer”. “It was a bit mad. A replay is the right option because there’s a lot to play for with Knaphill doing well”. Knaphill secretary Bryan Freeman said: “Referees make mistakes. We’re happy to replay the game”.

Published 04-05-09