The 1st ever Isle of Wight Challenge Cup Final at Church Litten ended in tragedy on 22nd March 1899.
In the dying minutes of the final between Ryde and Sandown – in front of a crowd of 1,500 – Ryde forward William Jones struck the winning goal. In the process of scoring, he collided with Sandown keeper Robert Reed.
Reed’s knee struck Jones in the chest. Jones collapsed and was taken to Ryde hospital. He was found to have a ruptured intestine and died 2 days later.
The inquest was held the following Wednesday. Those who had witnessed the match agreed that they had seen no evidence of foul play and that the collision had been an accident.
A contemporary newspaper reported the following:
“William Jennings, of Southampton, the referee, said that Jones was dashing with the ball in front of him for goal wherein Reed, the goalkeeper, ran out to meet the ball. The men collided and fell, Reed’s knee striking Jones, who was picked up in great agony. Reed did not break the rules and had there been no accident he would not have cautioned him.
“Other witnesses said they considered the affair quite accidental, It was stated that the post-mortem examination revealed ruptured intestines. The jury returned a verdict of accidental death and found that no blame attached to anyone.”
Following Jones’ death, neither side wished to be awarded the game.
Jones was buried at St John’s Church, Ryde. His funeral cortege passed through the town.
Sandown goalkeeper Robert Read was present at the ceremony and was booed by mourners.
Booed by the mourners at a funeral. Tough crowd back then.