Three suspended over abuse

PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES
PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES
Three premier club football coaches have been suspended for abuse on the same day.

It comes as the teams return to their local leagues today after impressive results in the first round of the Chatham and Kate Sheppard Cups last weekend.

Two weeks ago, three coaches were red-carded for abusive behaviour during the premier men’s and women’s leagues.

Southern Football confirmed Green Island premier men’s coach Jared White received a five-game suspension for dissent towards a player and abusing a match official.

Mosgiel premier men’s coach Max Frear and Roslyn premier women’s coach Arnon Tapp received four game suspensions for abuse towards a match official. All were given a monetary fine as well.

In a statement, Roslyn co-president Dan Todd said it was disappointing the coaches were red-carded in the same weekend.

"We have co-operated with Southern Football on the matter and look to move forward."

Mosgiel president David Young said the club did not condone the conduct leading to the suspensions.

"We support Southern Football in its work to improve the behaviour of the game", Young said.

"Following the incident the club has spoken with our players and coaches about the need to improve their behaviour."

No response was received from the Green Island club.

Southern Football chief executive Dougal McGowan said the organisation had moved on and all involved in the sport were focused on doing the right thing last weekend.

"We hope that messaging is being heard as it’s vital that we support our refs and other football family participants in all ways", McGowan said.

"I heard some amazing support ... throughout the grades over the weekend. People talked about playing with humility, being respectful of their opponents and those making the games happen."

Southern teams produced some top results last week, with 11 teams making it through to the second round of the Chatham Cup and Kate Sheppard Cup.

Teams are back in action in the ODT men’s southern premiership and women’s South Island qualifying league today.

"Most significant are those in the SI women’s qualifying league, which is nearing the end of its qualification stage, and the men’s prem league is seeing some very close results, with Northern [Hearts] sitting proudly at the top of the table after a remarkable turnaround over the last three years", McGowan said.

Roslyn will host Northern Hearts in the men’s league, Wanaka is home to Queens Park, Green Island hosts Queenstown, Mosgiel faces Northern and University plays Dunedin City Royals.

In the women’s league, University are at home to Northern and the Royals host Queens Park.

In the Southern League, the Royals are away to Coastal Spirit.