Rebel Óg expected to investigate violent scenes at under-14 hurling match in Cork

The game took place in April between Ballygiblin, from near Mitchelstown, and St Vincent’s club from Knocknaheeny in Cork city

Under 14 Hurling match fight. Mitchelstown v St Vincents. Pictures: @CraicOfTheAsh on twitter

It could be several weeks before a decision is made on whether anyone will be disciplined following violent scenes at an under-14s hurling game in Cork.

The brawl took place on the sideline of the pitch after an on-field fight during a game between Ballygiblin from near Mitchelstown and St Vincent’s from Knocknaheeny in recent weeks. Footage of the incident has spread rapidly on social media in recent days.

A referee’s report from the game will prove crucial to the direction of any investigation which will be pursued by the board of Rebel Óg. Any disciplinary action will be dependent on the outcome of the board’s investigation.

Normal procedure is that the board would await the completion of the referee’s report and go through it before an investigation is launched. It is not known whether the referee’s report has yet been received by the board.

It is understood that the board were made aware of the incident shortly after it occurred last month. 

Sources in GAA circles say there is concern about the emergence of the video given that the players involved are underage as well as concerns around GDPR.

A spokesman for Rebel Og said: “Disciplinary matters are dealt with in accordance with the rules and procedures of the Association. Rebel Óg will not be commenting publicly on any particular game.” 

The emergence of the video came as referees outlined a range of incidents they have encountered during adult and juvenile games to RTÉ's Upfront with Katie Hannon show.

One referee from Cavan said: “A lot of the abuse probably stems and comes from underage games but I do feel that abuse should not happen at any age level.” 

During the programme, RTÉ's GAA correspondent Marty Morrissey spoke about an abusive letter sent to a GAA referee in Kilkenny that was the catalyst for referees in the county to go on strike.

“That is totally unacceptable behaviour,” he said.

It also came as Minister of State for sport and physical education Thomas Byrne convened a meeting with representatives of the GAA, the Football Association of Ireland and the Irish Rugby Football Union on Tuesday to discuss violent and racist incidents at sports matches.

After the meeting, Thomas Byrne said: “I have asked Sport Ireland to prioritise the development of a national Code of Conduct template for use across Irish sport and this template is expected to be ready by the end of May and will be circulated to all National Governing Bodies of Sport.”

Last month, Wexford hurling star Lee Chin suffered racial abuse at a charity game between Tipperary and Wexford. The game was abandoned. A spectator has since been given a 48-week suspension following an investigation into the incident.

There have been a number of high-profile incidents in recent times, including one which led to a strike taken by Roscommon referees in September after a referee was assaulted during a minor football game.

Last June, the Joint Committee on Tourism, Culture, Arts, Sport & Media published a report on the elimination of abuse in sport, including against players and referees.

Among its recommendations was the development of a Code of Conduct across Irish sport by a working group made up of referees, official and player representatives.