How to lose not so graciously

POOR old referees.

When not being attacked in print by two-bit local newspaper columnists, they are busy getting snarled at in hotel reception areas by angry defeated coaches. It seems a thankless task.

Aside from questions of rights and wrongs in the Rugby League World Cup final at the weekend — except to say that, seeing as the crucial decisions went against Australia, they were by default correct — many have since said that it was one of the biggest shocks of all time.

The result, a 34-20 win for cock-a-hoop New Zealand, was indeed a monumental upset. What was far less surprising was the reaction of the defeated Aussies afterwards.

Ricky Stuart’s alleged post-game tirade at Yorkshire-based Aussie ref Ashley Klein — who you would imagine gave a bit back, seeing as his dual heritage suggests he is not someone unsure of the validity of his own opinions — represents but the latest in a long line of extended antipodean moans that can be traced right back to the Bodyline series of the 1930s.

So by way of tribute to sour Stuart, here are a few of the finest sporting temper tantrums. Early to bed and no supper for this lot:

Jon Drummond (100 metres) — On being disqualified from the 2003 World Championships final for a false start this American sprinter decided to stage a sit-down protest in the middle of the running track.

“I did not move,” said Drummond, over and over again, as he held up the restart of the race for almost an hour. The funny thing was, he was right — his movement on the blocks had been no more than a twitch. Such a shame. Or not, depending on how you feel about loud, selfish, hyper-annoying fools.

Jeff Tarango (tennis) — In 1995, the volatile American stomped off the court at Wimbledon mid-game and called the umpire “one of the most corrupt officials in the game”, prior to his wife slapping the shocked official on the way to the locker room.

Angel Matos (taekwondo) — You may disagree strongly with a decision to disqualify you from the 2008 Beijing Olympic tournament. You may opt to put in a complaint through the proper channels. What you really can’t do, though, is kick the referee in the head. The Cuban got a lifetime ban for this spectacular act of petulance.

Nelson Piquet (Formula 1) — On being shunted from behind in the 1982 German Grand Prix by Eliseo Salazar, forcing both drivers out of the race, Piquet reacted by trying to punch the Chilean to the ground. Sadly for him, the helmet he struck was designed to withstand far greater impacts than that from a human fist and his laughable effort had little effect. The Brazilian then switched to kicking, but missed his target.