1973 - DISPUTED FLAG

ABSOLUTE THRILLER
PREMIERSHIP TO CHELSEA
 
In windy overcast conditions Chelsea thirds won a thrilling match of the highest standard from a determined Mt Eliza side.

The game started at a frantic pace with both sides exhibiting great skills and courage as the match remained tightly contested. An unexpected exchange between two of the on-ground officials just before the break seemed to have been triggered by the felling of a Chelsea player in an incident off the ball.

Whilst the second half still saw great passages of play, they were interrupted by a series of ugly fights and incidents as the tenor of the game had changed dramatically. Despite this the game continued to be close but the umpires were working overtime.With Chelsea seven points up and only minutes to play another clash occurred in the Mt Eliza goal square, numbers were taken and the resulting goal reduced the margin to one point, an advantage that the Seagulls were able to maintain until the siren.
 
FOOTNOTE: Immediately after the match Mt Eliza lodged a complaint to the MPFL disputing a goal that was awarded to Chelsea in the third quarter. One of the goal umpires who had been drawn out of his position whilst breaking up a fight had forgotten to wave his flags for a goal that was scored as the melee commenced. The League supported the complaint and awarded the match to the Mounties.

However, the Chelsea club appealed the decision to a higher authority the VFL, who in turn, supported their appeal and directed the MPFL to reverse their decision—Chelsea were the legitimate Premiers. Despite numerous applications to the MPFL, Chelsea has still received no recognition or Premiership flag.  

AUTHOR’S NOTE
 
THIS WAS A GAME THAT CLEARLY DEMONSTRATED HOW QUICKLY THINGS CAN GET OUT OF HAND IN A CONTACT SPORT  WHERE THE STAKES ARE HIGH AND YOUNG MEN ARE INVOLVED.
 
THERE WAS A GREAT DEAL OF ANGER ON SHOW DURING THIS GAME BUT IT APPEARS THAT MOST OF IT WAS MIS-DIRECTED AS WAS LATER DISCOVERED DURING INVESTIGATIONS.
 
THE MPFL, HOWEVER WAS RIGHTFULLY DISGUSTED WITH WHAT WAS ON SHOW IN ITS SHOWPIECE MATCH OF THE SEASON AND REACTED AS YOU WOULD EXPECT.

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