FAI: Abuse forcing majority of referees out of soccer within two years

Politicians heard that referees have been physically attacked, intimidated, and threatened as part of their work at soccer, GAA, and rugby games across the country

The committee heard evidence from Ireland’s largest sporting organisations about the level of abuse referees often face (PA)

Two-thirds of referees leave within two years due to the scale of abuse, the FAI has said.

The Oireachtas sports committee heard “stark” evidence from representatives from Ireland’s largest sporting organisations about the level of abuse that referees often face.