Stoke Protest-An Opinion
Posted 20/06/04

Glasgow look set to protest at the handling of the meeting at Stoke last night. Referee Paul Ackroyd took it upon himself to re-write the rule book and deny Glasgow the opportunity to use a tactical ride in heat 14. Whilst the referee must take responsibility for usurping the rules the ultimate blame must lie with the people who voted to retain this rule after its trial last year quite clearly showed how flawed and unpopular the rule is.

Already the rule has courted contraversy at almost every track with the publicity surrounding it at a recent Poole meeting at last bringing it to the attention of the speedway media.

Anyone who watched the trial last year could tell them how awful an idea it was but what do fans know? Instead of listening, this rule was foisted upon the paying public and we are now having to face the consequences of their ill thought out actions.

Glasgow broke no rules last night.Yes, Shane stopped just short of the line in heat 13 but this is no different to those 'creative' engine failures many riders have had this season. If anything its more honest. It perhaps was not the smartest thing to do but it was every bit as legal as Will Lawsons final bend 'engine failure' at Newcastle last week, every bit as legal as the exclusion for the track staff touching the bike so the rider could no longer push home for a point.

The whole farce is made even more unpalatable by the difference in the way clubs are being treated at different meetings and by different officials - there is absolutely no consistency.

Mr Ackroyd refused Glasgow the right to field a TR in heat 14 as a result of Shanes actions. Whilst this in all honesty would not have effected the result of this meeting it does have far more reaching consequences. He acted outwith the rule book, changed the rules, acted like 'God'. There is now technically - although I accept its far fetched - a precedent to allow referees to make up or re-interperet rules as they wish. Can you just imagine it - no rolling starts unless your name starts with C.....

On a serious note teams go into a meeting not knowing exactly where the boundaries are or if they will be changed on a whim from the box. Fans are kept even more in the dark.

Glasgow quite rightly immediately attempted to lodge an official protest and pay the protest fee but according to the official site Ackroyd refused to accept it. Since when was this decision his to make? Not only does he act outwith the rule book during the meeting but tries to silence the aggreived club!

Glasgow will undoubtedly appeal, the appeal will undoubtedly fail but there are more important issues that must come out of this.

It is not possible to change the rule half way through the season - we are stuck with it for the remainderof the year. However what should and must happen is clarification of this rule and of the powers of the officials at meetings.

If there is any justice Mr Ackroyd will be hauled over the coals and told that he does not run British Speedway - thats Mickey Mouse's job.