On 20th March 1909, a fight broke out on Glasgow Road, Blantyre between three Russians.
The men spilled out into the street from a popular public house and a dispute arose about their game of cards. George Rutkowski of Glasgow Road and John Mutt of Fallside, both Russian miners confronted a third Russian male accusing him of cheating. Words were heated and fists flew. However, it was the shocking next event which saw them ending up in jail.
Both men drew knives and on the Glasgow Road stabbed their fellow countryman on the neck, arm , back and breast. The victim had only been discharged from hospital on the earlier Tuesday. Police were called, the men arrested and a day in court in early April was had.
The Sheriff passed 60 days imprisonment on each of them, insisting upon hard labour and that at the end of the sentences, each were to be immediately deported back to Russia.
