‘We’re losing refs left, right and centre’

THE GAA is facing a serious refereeing shortage because of the abuse directed at officials in recent weeks by prominent figures in the Association, ex-referee John Gough warned yesterday.

The Antrim official, who presided over the notorious 1983 All-Ireland football final between Dublin and Galway when he sent off four players, says the situation is critical and it is time for the Association to come down heavily on those who abuse referees.

“When young people, with an interest in refereeing, watch those games on television and see some of the most prominent people in the Association running on a pitch to abuse a referee, that would put anyone off.