Sarsfields keen to see red for racism

Sarsfields GFC in Wexford have written to the GAA asking that Central Council brings forward an emergency motion which would make on-field racism a red-card offence.

Sarsfields star Lee Chin, a Wexford hurler and footballer, has been subjected to racism in the past, and there is a concerted effort to deal with the issue.

Last week, the club’s motion on racism for the GAA’s annual Congress was ruled out of order as it was deemed to be dealing with a playing rule, and these can only be amended in years divisible by five.

Now, they are hoping Central Council can change the rule.

“When we found out the reason behind the motion being ruled out of order last week, we came together to evaluate our options,” said Sarsfields secretary Kevin Carty.

“The previous motion was ruled out of order as it dealt with playing rules, but we have been discussing it with the county board and all of our correspondence with Croke Park has been going through them.”

There are, however, exceptional circumstances in which playing rules can be changed outside the five-year window.

“The FRC proposals will be voted on,” says Carty, “as they’re coming from a sub-committee set up by Central Council, but Rule 3.42 also allows Central Council to submit emergency rule-changes or bring three other motions on any subject. We’re hoping that this could be done but there appears to be a reticence regarding it.

“The last email went from us to Croke Park on Monday, so we’re awaiting a response.”

Alan Milton, the GAA’s communications manager, said Central Council has already indicated such a measure is likely.