George Coulthard (born August 1 1856 in Boroondara, Victoria, died October 22 1883 in Carlton, Victoria) was a star Australian Rules Footballer who played for Carlton and cricketer who played for the Melbourne Cricket Club and briefly for Australia.

As a footballer, he won the coveted Champion Of The Colony award three times in 1876, 1877 and 1879.

Although lesser known as a cricketer, he was at the centre of an ugly incident known as the Sydney Riot of 1879 when he was umpiring a match between the Lord Harris's England side and New South Wales at the Association Ground in Sydney. By mid-afternoon on the second day of the match, he called star NSW batsman Billy Murdoch run out. Although independent witnesses said the decision was close but fair, NSW captain Dave Gregory demanded his replacement, claiming he was incompetent. The crowd subsequently invaded the pitch and play was suspended for the remainder of the day.

He played in only one Test, against England at Sydney in February 1882, making 6 runs at number 11.

He died of consumption.

External Links

• Cricinfo Page for George Coulthard