Published: Wednesday, 1st October, 2008 09:00
Hawick referee 'abused' after match
By David Kelso
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A TOP Scottish rugby referee has changed his mind about quitting the game in disgust after being the alleged target of verbal abuse - in the after-match shower.
Distraught David Crudge announced his retirement immediately after handling the Premiership Division Three clash between Cartha Queens Park and Morgan at Dumbreck in Glasgow at the weekend.
But he last night he revealed he had been persuaded by Morgan bosses not to chuck his whistle in the bin.
However, Crudge confirmed he has issued an official complaint to the SRU over the conduct of Cartha coach Peter Laverie and at least one of his players.
Hawick-based Crudge declared: "I was abused pretty badly at the end of the game, both on the pitch and then when I was trying to have a shower.
"I decided there and then that the situation was so bad that I never wanted to referee again.
"I couldn't think about anything else on the two and a half hour drive home to the Borders.
"Then i got a phone call from one of the Morgan guys and he made me feel a whole lot better about things.
"He told me I shouldn't take such a knee-jerk action, so now I think I might give it another go.
"I can, however, see how some guys do give up refereeing in these circumstances."
Laverie admitted being involved in a verbal exchange with Crudge when the final whistle sounded - but denied being abusive.
He explained: "I approached the ref, shook his hand and said thanks. I also told him he had been wrong to award Morgan a penalty try, which enabled them to win by one point.
"I got my point across, but not in a way that could be regarded as abusive.
"He then offered me his whistle and said 'you have a go then...'
"He went straight into the showers and one of our props was the second to go into the showers.
"I have no idea what happened in there, but a bit later the ref came into the committee room and announced he was giving up the game."
Laverie added: "Apart from the one crucial penalty try incident, he actually handled the match pretty well. I hope he does keep on officiating."
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Further Details
Hawick coach gets the boot