ATTEMPTS to calm tensions between Newcastle City and Suburban Cricket Association factions have failed with the all-out war spreading to the competition's umpires association.
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Umpire Michael Burns, part of a faction pushing for change and more transparency in the nearly 100-year-old association, is the latest to be expelled, this time from the NCSCA Umpires Association.
Mr Burns said he was in shock at the decision that came several weeks after he was given a written warning by the umpires association for comments he made about the handling of the competition's finances on social media.
"I can't umpire at all anymore unless I go to district cricket," he said.
"That's it. I'm one of the youngest umpires in the city and suburban umpires association and I'm 48, it's a real shame it's come to this."
An umpires association executive meeting was held last week to consider Mr Burns' fate after he readily admitted posting another comment on Facebook about the dispute and sharing information with other members about how the board had been handling its finances.
The 20-year umpiring veteran said he was later informed in writing that he'd been expelled, effective immediately.
Mr Burns said he believed he was being targeted for speaking to the Newcastle Herald in January about being excluded from umpiring duties after he received a warning over the first Facebook post.
In an letter to Mr Burns this week, NCSCA Umpires Association president Alfred Ellevsen said it was a "unanimous decision" to expel him.
"There of course is an appeals process available, which must be forwarded to the NCSCA executive," Mr Ellevsen wrote.
"I am very sorry that this outcome was reached and personally wish you well for the future."
The NCSCA judiciary has banned three new board members, secretary Andrew Kelly, registrar Daniel Saunders and Grant Hutchings, who agitated for more financial transparency since being elected in August.
Former board member Roy Capitao was also banned last year and given a further ban in January.
Mr Saunders, Mr Kelly and Mr Capitao have appealed their bans.
Mr Burns said he didn't understand what all the "secrecy" was about.
"It's laughable that people can't speak their minds and share information that should not be kept secret," he said.
Mr Ellevsen declined to comment. NCSCA president and umpires association vice president Phil Northey previously denied anyone had been targeted for asking questions about finances.
