Referees chief calls on supporters to display ‘commonsense’

THE chairman of the GAA’s referees committee has called on supporters to display ‘commonsense’ in the aftermath of games where there has been a heated finish.

Former All-Ireland final referee Mick Curley said he did not wish to comment on the investigations ongoing in Tyrone and Galway following incidents at the weekend where referees were abused.

The Tyrone Competitions Control Committee is investigating an alleged assault on referee Sean Quinn at the end of the SFC final, while in Galway, their CCC is waiting to see what action to take after gardaí escorted referee Christy Helebert following a fractious SHC semi-final.

“The incidents in Tyrone and Galway are following their own course and it would not be appropriate to comment on them while they are ongoing.

“But, in an overall sense, I would appeal to supporters to show some commonsense at the end of games.

“In fairness, the number of incidents at the end of matches is quite low and that is probably why there is such a focus on them when they occur. But it is not acceptable at any time. We are privileged in the GAA that fans can mix before, during and after games.

“It is the same for referees and we don’t want to get to the situation where we have to bring in measures to isolate them from officials or supporters.

“We are lucky in the GAA that everyone can mix without the need for segregation and it would be terrible if we lost that aspect of things.

“It is understandable how people get excited about games but supporters need to show some commonsense and kept everything in perspective.

“Referees make decision in split seconds and, like the players, they go out there to do their best,” said Mick Curley, who is a retired garda superintendent.