Referees’ chief condemns attacks on match officials

THE chairman of the National Referees Committee Frank Burke has expressed his concern over the recent spate of attacks on GAA match officials.

Referees in Kerry, Carlow and Wexford have been assaulted over the past month in a series of violent confrontations.

Kerry official Gearoid O’Regan was assaulted at the end of the county SHC semi-final between Kilmoyley and Ballyduff while Laois referee John Conway was forced to abandon the Carlow MFC semi-final between Rathvilly and Tinryland following a mass brawl.

On Saturday last, Wexford official John Denton was attacked in the final stages of the ill-tempered county SHC semi-final between Duffry Rovers and Horsewood.

Mr Burke is worried by such happenings but is satisfied county boards are taking swift and appropriate action in dealing with the offenders.

“Thankfully we don’t have too many incidents of this nature, but one is one too many. I don’t believe we’ll see referees dropping out.

"We haven’t had an incident yet that hasn’t been dealt with more than appropriately by the county boards. Once referees see that they are being supported they are happy to continue doing the job.

“Such behaviour towards referees has no place in our games. We are involved in amateur sport but it has become far too serious and we all need to take stock of ourselves from time to time,” he said.

“There are no indications that referees are dropping out because of these isolated incidents. In fact the referee involved in the Kerry episode showed he was quite prepared to continue officiating following the support he received from his county board.

“They stood by him and if that prevails around the country, I’m sure the referees will respond accordingly.

“The national committee would have no jurisdiction in the counties, but we would advise if asked. I would have to praise the people who have taken such a strong stand in supporting referees,” he said.

Ballyduff had all of their adult hurling and football teams banned from competitions at county, divisional board and Munster levels for the remainder of the year.

Additionally, a fine of €2,000 was imposed on the club, lengthy suspensions were imposed on four players, another player/supporter was expelled from membership, while two supporters received life bans from participating in GAA activities.

The two clubs involved in the Carlow row were both fined €1,500 while two players from Rathvilly were suspended.

Meanwhile, Wexford officials are awaiting the report of referee John Denton before deciding on what action to take after the weekend melee.

Mr Denton was allegedly attacked by Duffry Rovers players and supporters at full time, while he also became the prime target in the tunnel and later in the referees’ dressing room.

While county secretary Michael Kinsella with the assistance of stewards tried to protect Mr Denton they were unable to prevent him from being on the receiving end of blows, while Mr Kinsella was also kicked and punched during the disgraceful scenes.

Mr Denton vowed that he has no intention of hanging up the whistle and plans to take charge of next weekend’s SHC semi-final between Rathnure and Buffers Alley.

Wexford county disciplinary board, which is under the chairmanship of retired garda sergeant Noel Matthews is expected to meet this week to review the report of the referee while Duffry Rovers are to meet tonight.