Former Premier League referee hits out at 'joke' punishment handed to Mullingar Town

"Too many referees are either operating in fear and giving up the game, or finishing up in hospital. One is enough."

A former Premier League referee has hit out at the fine given out to Mullingar Town following and incident that left referee Daniel Sweeney hospitalised.

Keith Hackett also said that much more has to be done to ensure the safety of match officials - particularly at local level.