Nz Referee Cops Suspension

Illawarra Mercury

Saturday November 1, 2003

NEW Zealand referee Steve Walsh is disappointed to have earned the notoriety of being the first official in the history of the Rugby World Cup to be suspended.

But his employer, the New Zealand Rugby Union, said Walsh would not appeal his punishment for inappropriate behaviour during England's 16th man fiasco.

Walsh was suspended by World Cup referees manager Steve Griffiths for three days over an exchange with a member of the England management after the world No1 side fielded 16 players against Samoa in a Pool C match won 35-22 by England.

Tension between Walsh and England fitness trainer Dave Reddin apparently escalated after the final whistle in the England-Samoa game.

Walsh allegedly swore at Reddin and called him a ``loser" as they walked through the tunnel.