Masterson forced to apologise for blasting referee

GAA disciplinary chiefs have ordered Wexford goalkeeper Anthony Masterson to apologise in writing for his post-match criticism of referee Derek Fahy or face an eight-week ban.

Masterson launched a staggering attack on the Longford official who overruled his umpire to award the decisive point in the Model County’s All-Ireland SFC qualifier defeat to Limerick last month.

Masterson said the decision to allow Ian Ryan’s effort was an “an absolute joke” before lashing out at Fahy’s performance. He said: “The whole country knows that he is the world’s worst referee and he still gets to referee GAA matches. The whole country knows about it. Ye know it and we know it. It is unbelievable just how he can make a decision like that and I am straight up and honest.

“How long more are we going to get decisions wrong?

“I just don’t care, and I don’t care if I get in trouble for it, it is just that I give up too much of my life and to go out and have a decision like that made in GAA is an absolute disgrace.”

However, GAA chiefs were furious at the outburst and have demanded an apology from the goalkeeper who has returned to football with his club Castletown. Masterson revealed: “The CCCC (Central Competitions Control Committee) have requested a public apology in writing if not I would face an eight-week ban.

“I will be making the public apology. I owe it to my club and my club colleagues who I’ve played with since under-age. At the time I was shocked. So much so that the shock remained until Monday.

“To get all of this out of my system I even booked a holiday on the Monday following the game. I apologise for what was said in the heat of the moment.

“Now, hopefully, I can concentrate on my club and our efforts to retain the county title.”

Ironically, Masterson, who plays outfield for the county champions, found himself in another scoring controversy in a Wexford ACFL Division One final against neighbours Kilanerin 24 hours after the Portlaoise defeat to Limerick.

This time, however, there was a happier ending for him. He explained: “I fisted a goal. The umpires were called in and it was going to be a square ball. It was funny. The heading in the local paper was ‘Masterson’s luck changes a day later’.”