Gavin: GAA must get tougher

JIM Gavin has called on the GAA to make racist abuse a 12-month suspension offence and take a zero tolerance stance against spitting and sledging.

Ahead of next week’s Congress in Derry where heavier measures on racism and sledging are being proposed, the Dublin manager objects to such issues remaining on the pitch, an attitude espoused in some quarters earlier this week.

“Put it out there and put strong punitive measures in place for it,” said Gavin. “I know some players have expressed disappointment at the proposed eight-week ban (for racist abuse). I’m at a loss, to be honest.