In a few minutes the hubbub outside subsided as the intruders were beaten off by hotel porters and others. It was all over very quickly. Those in charge of the Scottish players were amazed when they heard later of the deplorable outrage.
The storm of the evening was the subject of animated discussion when the players sat around the dinner table. Some of the officials confessed afterwards they were too excited by what occurred to settle to the good things of the table. The chairman made a judicious reference to the startling occurrences of the day, and warmly complimented the players upon their behaviour, and in bringing off a victory that gladdened the hearts of all.
While they dined, a mounted soldier arrived from Dublin Castle conveying an autograph letter to Mr. A. M. Robertson (Scottish [SFA] President) from the Earl of Aberdeen [Ireland’s Lord Lieutenant], who witnessed the match, but was ignorant of its unhappy sequel, requesting him to convey to [Scotland] Captain Donald Colman and the individual members of his team, and all concerned the pleasure it gave him to witness the game.
His Excellency the Lord Lieutenant offered his congratulations in regard to the very fine exhibition of football and upon the success of the Scottish players.”
The views of others involved in the game could be found elsewhere on the page.
“Val Harris, the Irish captain, thought Scotland had all the luck. He felt they were fortunate to obtain the second goal scored by Bennett, considering the latter’s position when [Falkirk centre-half Tommy] Logan headed the ball forward.
The Irish captain, who had an exciting experience in the ugly scene at the finish, was still in his football attire at 7pm.
“It was one of the most bad-tempered crowds I have ever experienced, in fact, the situation at one time was desperate,” remarked Harris, who had been strenuous in his endeavour to protect the Scottish players.
He was in the midst of the ugly rush at the hotel entrance when Walker was attacked and used both his weight and influence. Val thought it best to express no opinion about individual players, except to say that Logan made a reputation.
Asked if he thought the Scots played vigorously, Val smiled and replied, “All in the game.” He felt that the play was poor compared with the England game.
Frank Thompson was having some skin plaster affixed to an ear. He had been in the brake with the Scots, and had stopped a missile intended, he believed, for Walker, judging by the execrations of the mob.
Mr. A. H. Thompson, the late Irish chairman and a selector, said he had the fright of his life when the mob demonstrated outside the pavilion and called for a certain player. In 28 years of Irish football he had experienced many angry mobs, but this one was the fiercest. He was afraid at one time the pavilion would be torn to pieces. “I thought a Belfast crowd difficult to appease but the Dubliners see it out to the finish. I am glad matters got no worse.”
Mr Adams, the referee, said it was his first visit to Ireland, and he was not likely to forget it. He was dressing in the pavilion when the smashing of glass attracted his attention. With the Scottish players he sought safety in the Irish dressing-room. He saw a well-dressed spectator with a large piece of wood smashing the windows and thought it judicious to get clear.”
Continued on the next page…
