Harps warning on sexist jibes

A senior Finn Harps official warned the club could be fined if sexist comments directed at a female referee are reported.

Roscommon referee Rhona Daly took charge of Harps game for the first time on Saturday as she officiated the Donegal club’s 3-2 win over Mervue United in the First Division.

And she was at the centre of attention when she awarded a controversial penalty for Mervue after Stephen Walsh stooped to head the ball inside the box and was struck by the foot of Keith Cowan who was trying to clear.

Harps secretary John Campbell felt that she had a “decent game” and “had let the match flow.” He also felt she had got the penalty decision right. But commenting on a social networking site afterwards, he noted a few fans “were nasty and very sexist in their comments”.

And he added: “These people must realise that this is not tolerated and if reported by the referee or any of the officials and the referees inspector it can and would cost Harps hundreds of euros at a minimum in fines.”

While he acknowledged the banter that goes on at games, he also appealed for common sense.