Friday 5th May 1893
FOOTBALL ROWDYISM.
SEQUEL TO THE " SCENE " AT FLEETWOOD.
Considerable interest was manifested at the Kirkham Police Court on Monday, in the prosecutions arising out of the recent scenes which followed the football match between Blackpool and the Rangers at Fleetwood. There was a crowded court, includlng several Fleetwood and Blackpool persons, and the magistrates were W. S. Hodgson (who presided), Alderman H. Buckley, and R. Catterall, Esqrs. Thomas Pratt, labourer, Fleetwood, and a member of the Rangers Football Club, was summoned by Edward ("Pank") Parkinson, fisherman, Lytham, a member of the Blackpool Football Club, for assaulting him at Fleetwood on April 15th.
A cross-summons was brought by Pratt against Parkinson for a similar offence at the same time and place. Mr. R. F. Addie appeared for Pratt, and Mr. Richard Banks for Parkinson.
Mr. Banks asked for the witnesses to be ordered out of Court, and his application was granted. He thereupon went into a recital of the particulars of the assault, and stigmatised the action of Pratt as cowardly and unjustifiable. Mr. Banks contended that if Pratt had any grievance he ought to have made it to the referee, who was endowed with great powers in such engagements.
Parkinson, being sworn, said no friction occurred in the first half between Pratt and himself, although Pratt once threatened to "punch both his legs off" after he had beaten him by taking the ball from his feet. About ten minutes before the close of the game there was a scrimmage in the goal mouth, and Pratt came up to him with his fists shut and in a likely way for "punching." Complainant walked away, and after the game was going off the field, walking towards the tent, when Pratt touched him on the shoulder. He looked round on the left-hand side end Pratt struck him in the face. Complainant then dropped to the ground and remembered nothing more. He was carried off the field, and recovered conciousness when about ten yards fiom the tent. All he remembered was someone saying "Can you walk? “— Cross-examined by Mr. Addie ; When he charged Pratt it was as fair a charge as any that day. He was not striking and kicking in all directions during the game. He did nothing to Pratt the whole of the game. It was a rough game, but he thought he had seen one as rough between Lytham and Fleetwood. He did not faint because he was frightened: he was not frightened. He did not tell Pratt during the game that he could have as much as he liked at the close of the match. He took out the summons against Pratt himself. No one else instituted the proceedings.
George Battersby, of the Railway Hotel, Leigh, and an old Rugby football player of 14 or 15 years' standing, said he saw the match. The first half was a fairish game, but the second half was disgraceful. He blamed the Fleetwood players, saying they kicked at the Blackpool players several times. When they found their weight would not come in they began kicking at them. He noticed Pratt kick at the Blackpool players, including Parkinson several times. Parkinson played a gentlemanly game, so far as he could see. He witnessed the assault on Parkinson afterwards. Pratt touched complainant on the shoulder, and struck him in the face. He then put his arm round Parkinson's neck, threw him down, and struck complainant twice while he was on the ground. When Parkinson was lifted up he was unconscious; his month was bleeding; his eyes had gone back into his head; his arms were fallen back; and he (witness) should assume that he suffered from slight concussion.—Cross-examined He had his attention drawn to Pratt's rough play in the first half, but he did not see the two parties quarrel before the end of the game.
The Clerk (Mr. Dickson) advised the Bench not to consider anything which transpired during the game, as there was a proper official present.— Mr. Addie said that official was very nervous and eventually fainted.
Richard Gorton Barlow, the well-known all-England cricketer, deposed to witnessing the assault. He saw Pratt go behind Parkinson and hit him on the side of the face, take him round the neck, pull him down, and fall on the top of him. Parkinson did nothing: he hadn't time; he never lifted his fists. At the match in question he saw foul play, especially by Pratt. He thought Pratt lost his temper because Parkinson got the better of him.—Cross-examined: The referee was too nervous, and lost control over the game. A Fleetwood player offered to strike the referee, but the referee did not send him off the field, as he should have done.
Thomas Musgrove, fishmonger, Blackpool; James Lucas, cab proprietor, Blackpool; Mr. Councillor Heap, Blackpool; H. G. Wright, joiner, Blackpool; Frank Martindale, Blackpool; and Thomas Parr, the linesman in the match, also gave evidence as to the assault. Mr. Heap said lie regretted having seen the match.
For the defence, Mr. Addie gave a complete denial of the charge. It was a rough and exciting game from beginning to end, he admitted, and for that reason the referee !ost control of the game. If he had not he would have seen Pratt take the ball from the toes of Parkinson, and have seen Parkinson lose his temper and cut Pratt's lip. Pratt told him to wait until the game was finished, when they could have it out. Parkinson struck at Pratt and Pratt touched him and returned the blow. It was quite true that Parkinson was struck, but they totally denied that the blow was given until Parkinson had hit Pratt. Fleetwood had nothing to lose their tempers about.
Pratt was sworn and stated that Parkinson struck him deliberately with his fist while play was proceeding. Afterwards, they were both walking to the tent, when he said to Parkinson, "Well, you kicked me in the second half, and if you wish to have it out, as you agreed upon, I am willing if you are." Parkinson then put his fists up and struck at him, but he dodged the blow and struck Parkinson. They then fell together.
Inspector Ingram, P.S. McLean, P.C. Townsend, and P.C. Smith swore to seeing the two players quarrelling, and both fell to the ground. P.C. Townsend added that "Pank" was not unconscious, but was able to get over the rails himself.
Martin Walsh, & member of the Rangers' team, said he heard Parkinson say he would have it out with Pratt after the match. After the whistle was blown both had their fists up, and they were stood facing each other, ready for action. They struck at each other, and fell. Pratt struck Parkinson at the beginning, and he did not see Parkinson do anything to Pratt. He saw Parkinson get up and walk after they had carried him away.
The Bench retired to consult and on their return said Pratt would be fined 5s. 6d. and costs, and the cross-summons would be dismissed.—On the application of Mr. Banks. the witnesses' expenses were allowed — 3s. 6d. each. The costs and fine amounted to £3 4s. 6d.
-oOo-
Never raised a fist in anger.
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