Referee urges Croker probe into Galway semi-final ‘assault’

REFEREE Christy Helebert has sent a file to Croke Park asking the GAA’s top brass to investigate the incidents which occurred at the end of the controversial Galway SHC semi-final between Mullagh and Loughrea.

The move comes after Galway hurling referees came out in support of their colleague and while they have ruled out strike action, they have stated they would officiate at games ‘under protest’ for the remainder of the year.

Following a meeting on Monday, Pat Greene, chairman of the Galway Hurling Referees, said they would officiate for the remainder of 2009 ‘under protest’ and they ‘had 100% support for Christy Helebert’.

Helebert is extremely angry and disappointed following a decision by GAA bosses in the county to impose 12-week bans on three players who faced suspensions of 48 weeks after being accused of assaulting him.

It is understood that the file he has sent to the National Referees Administration includes a medical report outlining the injuries he says he received at the end of the match.

Also included in the report is a copy of correspondence between various parties since the controversial match on October 18, along with the detailed report he submitted to the Galway Hurling Board following the match.

Sunday’s delayed Galway SHC final between All-Ireland champions Portumna and Loughrea goes ahead at Pearse Stadium after Mullagh terminated their appeal after the bans on their players were reduced.

Helebert, a former Galway senior player, stated in his referee’s report following a fractious county semi-final between Mullagh and Loughrea that he had been assaulted by three players at the end of the game.

The Galway Competitions Control Committee proposed bans of 48 weeks on the three – the minimum for a category five offence, assaulting an official – but the three Mullagh players, who vehemently denied assaulting the official, requested personal hearings. The Co Galway Hearings Committee met last week and examined the case, including interviewing one of the linesmen on duty during the match, and decided to reduce the charge to a category four offence – abusive behaviour – which carries a 12-week suspension.

The three players – former Galway senior squad member Conor Dervan, wing-back John Rafferty and Davey Glennon – have been banned for 12 weeks.