Fears for GAA matches as ref sues clubs over alleged assault after final

IN an action that could have serious implications for the GAA, a referee is suing two football clubs following an alleged assault at the end of a controversial game.

Louth official Joey Moynagh is seeking damages, claiming he was not given enough protection after the bad-tempered clash in June.

The referee sent two players off during the Sheelan Cup final between Drogheda side O’Raghallaigh’s and Glyde Rangers.

The two players from Glyde, which lost the game, were given their marching orders late in the match.

Angry Glyde fans stormed the pitch after the final whistle, where the alleged assault took place, and gardaí had to be called.

A solicitor’s letter was sent to Collon-based Mattock Rangers, where the final was played, claiming the club did not provide enough security to adequately protect him. A letter was also sent to Glyde Rangers.

Mattock chairman Terry Donegan confirmed the club had received the correspondence. “We have received a letter from solicitors representing the referee. After speaking with our own solicitors, that’s all I am prepared to say.”

Chairman of Glyde Brendan Woods said: “I am aware that Mattock received a letter and I can tell you we have also received correspondence in relation to the incident. There’s nothing I can add to that at the moment”.

While there was no official response from the Louth County Board, one source said the move could cause problems for the GAA.

“To be fair, most clubs would have just a few volunteers there to take the gate money and steward the pitch, and it is unlikely any of them would have training in crowd control.

“If this goes ahead it will leave a lot of clubs very worried and, if you take it to its logical conclusion, you could get clubs turning round and saying, ‘we are not prepared to stage any matches at our grounds because we could be sued if things go wrong’. That would create major problems for the GAA.”