Fan uses umbrella to attack referee

A GAA referee was knocked to the ground by an angry fan wielding an umbrella and then surrounded by a mob, before being escorted off the field by gardaí at the weekend.

The terrifying incident took place after the replay of the intermediate hurling semi-final between Argideen Rangers and Kilbrittain in Bandon, Co Cork, on Saturday.

Kilbrittain were five points up with two minutes to go to the end of normal time. Referee Diarmuid Kirwan then played almost six minutes of added time.

Argideen Rangers scored two goals in added time and clinched victory by a point - 3-6 to 3-5.

As Mr Kirwan tried to leave the pitch, an angry Kilbrittain fan, believed to be a former senior club official, struck him in the stomach with the handle of his umbrella, knocking him to the ground.

A crowd of angry Kilbrittain supporters then gathered around the pitch gate.

“The referee was like a fox cornered by beagles. They were baying for his blood,” one witness said.

“It was disgraceful. These people are old enough to know better. This situation should be highlighted.”

The referee retreated back onto the pitch and an off-duty garda who was at the match went to his assistance.

A uniformed garda arrived within minutes and with Bandon officials, escorted a distressed Mr Kirwan from the field.

County board chairman Jim Forbes, who is awaiting the referee’s report, said: “This was an isolated incident. But I am disappointed that these things are happening.”