A change in the rules of football. I saw a thread on this elsewhere and went of in search for some info. The goalkeeper died (Jim Thorpe) after being kicked, forcing the rules of the game to be changed.. Just some random information, on something that i had no idea had happened. .................................................................... James Horatio "Jimmy" Thorpe (16 September 1913 â 9 February 1936) was an English footballer born in Jarrow. He played 139 games as a goalkeeper for Sunderland Football Club. He signed when he was 17 after attending Jarrow Central School. He had a promising career, becoming starter for the club from the 1932/33 season His life and career were cut short on 1 February 1936 when he was kicked in the head and chest after he had picked up the ball following a backpass in a game against Chelsea at Roker Park. He continued to take part until the match finished, but died in hospital 4 days later from diabetes mellitus and heart failure 'accelerated by the rough usage of the opposing team' [2] This tragic end to Thorpe's career led to a change in the rules, where players were no longer allowed to raise their foot to a goalkeeper when he had control of the ball in his arms.[3] Though Thorpe may be little known, even in the North East, goalkeepers around the world doubtlessly owe a debt to him. The changed rules now says that players can't kick the ball out of the goalkeeper's hands. Sunderland went on to win the Championship that same year, and his medal was presented to his widow.[4] During the 75th Anniversary of the game between Sunderland Vs Chelsea both goalkeepers wore black armbands as a mark of respects for Jimmy's efforts.
Sounds like it was a gruesome match.. The referee at Roker Park that dreadful day was appropriately called Warr and so it was, one of the worst displays of violence ever witnessed on a football field in an era when raw aggression was at its height. Seven players were injured, one fatally. Sunderland were leading 3-1 with only 20 minutes remaining when Thorpe dropped onto his knees to clutch a pass played back into the penalty area. Two Chelsea players converged on him and he took three crucial kicks, one to the head and two to the upper body. Two more joined in and only the intervention of his team-mates saved Thorpe from further violence. As he struggled to his feet Thorpe leaned for a time against the goalpost, ominously rubbing the side of his head, but bravely waved away the trainer as play resumed with strangely no punishment meted out by a lax referee. Chelsea were to score twice against a clearly confused keeper to earn a 3-3 draw, despite having a player sent off for a perfectly executed right hook.;; http://www.wsc.co.uk/forum-index/27-football/486814-the-tragedy-of-jimmy-thorpe
Being a Jarra lad, I decided a few years ago to look up our proud history. I was mainly focused on Bede Monastery going right back to the Roman era, Saxons, Danish Vikings etc. I also read up about the Jarrow Marchers and learned all about that piece of our history. It was then I stumbled across what you have posted Comm and was surprised I had never heard of this, I was going to put it up on here but didn't think anybody would be arsed
Is there a plaque or some other way of commerating this event in our history at the SoL? If not, there should be!
I'm sure you're like me Sid, you can remember a few battle in the 60's and 70's that were close to open warfare! Players would square up and swing like **** and tackles two feet off the ground were the norm. Ref's used to just give a free kick and move on! Its a whole new ballgame today
Thanks for posting this comm. Even though I'm from the dark side I love learning anything to do with history. It seems wrong that fans in general don't know more about this man, as like you said his loss paved the way for a safer game for goalkeepers today. The game was very different back then, but stories like this are important to hear, especially when so many people long for the good old days when it was a 'man's game'. I'm just the other side of the tunnel and did something similar. It's such a hidden treasure we have there. Did you know England was invented within those monastry walls? Nobody had ever thought of coming up with a phrase (or name) to lump all the people together until Bede did it.
