Government and Sport Ireland discuss rise in fixture violence

One newly appointed inter-county referee said the GAA is on a cliff edge when it comes to assaults on match officials and the association must now be stronger in response to assaults. File photo: Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

The Department of Sport and Sport Ireland have begun talks on how to address the spate of 'unsavoury' incidents which have marred fixtures across the country in recent weeks.

However, the department has said 'primary responsibility' for addressing the problem rests with governing bodies such as the GAA and FAI.