Two off as fists fly in Track brawl

Monday 22nd August 2011, 2:29PM BST.

Bels players intervene as Dave Martin and Rovers’ Luke Graham, in blue, come to blows at the Track. (Picture by Jason Friend, 1172150)

Bels 0, Rovers 1
LUKE GRAHAM was at the centre of another flashpoint and was one of two players to be red-carded as Rovers somehow scraped their way through to the Rawlinson Cup semis with this win at the Track.

On 75min. and Rovers furiously defending a lead given to them by Danny Marquand in the first half, Graham clashed with Bels right-back Dave Martin in the Bels area.

Punches followed heated words and then Graham, who has a terrible disciplinary record over the past two seasons, was pounced on by a number of red-shirted Belgraves.

More Rovers players joined the melee but most were playing the roles of peacemakers and after the brawlers were pulled apart referee Derek Gilman pulled out reds for the two protagonists who, no doubt, will face long spells on the sidelines.

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1
Josh Pengelley

August 22, 2011 at 4:28 pm

luke graham was again out of control all the way through this game. he should have been sent off much earlier in the first half for challenges on drillot. how drillot kept his cool i just dont know as we all know he can be a hand full too. the referee could not control the game and should not be allowed to officiate at this level. graham should be banned for this and even consider changing his sport. he was out of order

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2
csi

August 23, 2011 at 4:38 pm

i find it difficult to understand that graham should have gone in the first half for no more than two or three fouls that were given against himor maybe that’s the opinion of somebody who hasn’tgot a clue what there talking about.And as for the referee how can you say he should’nt be refing at that level do you think you can do better i dought it if you do put yourr money were your mouth is you wont find that easy as it a thankless task and with out the refs no games will go ahead.

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3
Anonymous

August 24, 2011 at 12:48 pm

I dont think it was a good move from Graham’s side to have lost his temper like he did, however, regardless of his track record, he will be given what he needs by his coach, and I dont see any reason for him to be banned.

We all know that many other players, especially those in the higher leagues in England, behave the same and until there is a bigger crack down on this kind of behaviour in those leagues, the Guernsey officials will only do their best to asses and, where applicable, apply the necessary disciplanary action.

In the end, the behaviour is uncalled for, but everyone loses their temper, if this was his first “offense” then we would all have a different tune. We are simply expressing an outrage based on our perception of his behaviour due to his track record. He perhaps what we might call, overaly passionate.

Cheers,

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