Carlos Spencer's father cited for abusing officials

Former Auckland Blue Carlos Spencer has moved to Northampton in England. File picture

Former All Black Carlos Spencer's father Graham was kicked off the sidelines from a rugby semifinal in Levin on Saturday after allegedly abusing match officials.

Horowhenua-Kapiti Rugby Union's judiciary has subsequently received a citing over the incident, in which he allegedly compared touch judge Stu Taylforth to Adolf Hitler.

Spencer also allegedly used foul language when spoken to by match officials and refusing to leave the roped-off area back from the touchline.

The incident came in the dying minutes of the Athletic club's senior rugby semi-final loss to Toa in Paraparaumu. The Athletic club stalwart could be banned from attending future union-sanctioned matches after the outburst.

The incident occurred when the game had just one minute to run, with Toa leading 13-10.

The match was stopped by referee Blair Harleys after Taylforth held out his flag. It did not restart until Spencer was escorted from the ground by Athletic coach Wayne Hetariki.

Toa coach Charles Aliva thought the officials handled the incident capably.

"There was a lot of stuff said and he (Spencer) kept going on at the referee," Aliva said. "Blair did really well and I thought he was consistent."

Athletic team manager Nigel Sue said the trouble had only started in the second half when Taylforth changed sides to patrol the touchline that his side supporters were standing on.

"There was a Hitler call there somewhere but I have no idea who from... There was nothing confrontational at all but a few words did get spoken," Sue said.

"If the ref had just done his job and worried about the touch and the foul play on the field it would have been all right."

Spencer declined to comment on the incident.

Carlos Spencer, who was raised in Levin before playing most of his rugby in Auckland, has recently moved to England to play for Northampton.

- HOROWHENUA-KAPITI CHRONICLE (LEVIN)