FAI probe alleged assault on manager

The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) is treating with “extreme seriousness” an alleged assault on the manager of a soccer team playing in an All-Ireland final in Tralee, Co Kerry.

Brian Kenna, of Peamount United — a Dublin club with which Olympic gold medallist Katie Taylor formerly played — was knocked unconscious and received attention from paramedics before being removed to hospital.

An incident took place immediately after the FAI U16 Women’s Challenge Cup final, in which Peamount United defeated Listowel Celtic 3-1, at the weekend.

It was witnessed by several spectators, including children, who then watched as emergency service personnel attended Mr Kenna on the pitch.

He is believed to have been struck by another man. The game itself was incident-free and the alleged assault appeared to come out of the blue. “It was a very sporting game, with no trouble on the field. Nothing happened on the pitch during the game that could have led to frayed emotions on the sidelines. What happened came as a surprise to everyone there,” said one spectator.

Gardaí were called to the scene at Mounthawk Park. Mr Kenna was taken by ambulance to Kerry General Hospital, Tralee, but was released later that evening.

Circumstances surrounding the lead-up to the incident are unclear, but some spectators said they heard “an exchange of words” between some individuals.

The FAI is awaiting a report from referee Owen Moynihan before deciding on what action to take. A spokesman said: “The FAI are aware that an incident is alleged to have occurred at the game, in Tralee, on Sunday and we treat any such allegations with extreme seriousness.”

The issue will be dealt with initially by the FAI competitions committee.