Southern league match abandoned after umpire argument

A suburban Melbourne football game was sensationally called off at quarter time after the two officiating umpires engaged in a foul-mouthed argument with each other.

A Southern league game was called off on Saturday when the two umpires clashed.

Two field umpires called off a suburban football match on Saturday – because they were arguing with each other.

Players in the Southern league Thirds fixture were stunned when the umpires abandoned the game at Springvale Reserve at quarter time.

Springvale Districts was playing Endeavour Hills and in front 3.2 (20) to 2.1 (13) when the match was stopped.

This masthead has been told there was push and shove between players at quarter-time, with some Endeavour Hills players in the Springvale Districts huddle.

Districts were in front when the game was called off.

It’s understood one umpire, a former VFL player, told the other they were losing control of the game. He was then allegedly sworn at, prompting him to walk off the ground.

One of the umpires was supplied by the league and the other by Springvale Districts.

A player said tempers cooled after the match was abandoned, with both sides shaking hands and even sharing food.

“It was all good between the players,’’ he said.

It’s believed the clubs will split the four points.

Southern chief executive Lee Hartman said he was aware of the umpires’ actions and the league would investigate this week.

The clubs have been contacted for comment.

Originally published as Southern league match abandoned after umpire argument