Shock as referee threatens to abandon game unless Gornal boss leaves ground (From Dudley News)

Shock as referee threatens to abandon game unless Gornal boss leaves ground

3:00pm Thursday 30th August 2012 in Sport

GORNAL Athletic boss Ian Rowe has spoken of his shock after being ordered to leave a ground - during a game.

Referee Paul Hands told the Peacocks boss to get out of Boldmere St Michael’s Memorial Ground or he would abandon Monday’s Midland Alliance game between the two sides.

The extraordinary incident occured in the aftermath of a brawl involving players and coaches from both sides, five minutes into the second half after Boldmere’s Lyndon Weller was shown a straight red card for a challenge on Gornal’s Chris Rabone.

Rowe, who remained on the sidelines during the fracas, had then become embroiled in a row with opposite number Rob Mallaband when Mr Hands decided to act.

Rowe said: “The referee came up to us and told me to leave the dugout, then he said I needed to leave the ground within two minutes or he would abandon the game.

“I couldn’t believe it because I hadn’t done anything wrong, I was certainly not aggressive towards him in any way.

“I went and sat in the changing rooms but a few minutes later the referee sent somebody in to make sure I left the ground completely.

“I had to leave through a gate and stand outside.”

Gornal are now waiting to obtain a copy of the referee’s report but Rowe has vowed to contest any FA charge which might come his way.

He added: “Obviously I want to have a look at the report and I know I will almost certainly be charged by the FA.

“I’ll wait till then before making any further comment but I’ll do everything I can to clear my name.”

Gornal went on to win Monday’s game 4-1.