‘Verbals’ not being ignored, says Seán Walsh

The chairman of the national referees development body insists the policing of verbal intimidation is not being ignored by match officials.

Ahead of his first meeting with the 30-strong referees championship panels at Croke Park today, Seán Walsh says verbal intimidation hasn’t been raised by a single match official he has encountered since taking up the new post last month.

‘To threaten or to use abusive or provocative language or gestures to an opponent or team-mate’ merits a black card, according to the GAA rule-book and Walsh rejects claims referees are ignoring this section.