LAST UPDATE | 1 Sep 2022
ROSCOMMON GAA HAVE launched an investigation into an incident involving a referee during an underage match last evening.
The incident took place in a game in Ballyforan with Roscommon GAA officials this morning condemning ‘any behaviour’ that puts match officials ‘at risk’, while wishing the referee ‘a speedy recovery’.
The referee required medical attention as a result of the incident.
In a statement issued this morning, they stated that the full investigation will now be undertaken by the CCC (Competitions Control Committee) of the Roscommon county board.
The statement reads:
“Roscommon GAA is aware of an incident involving a referee during an underage match in Ballyforan on Wednesday evening .
“We would like to wish the referee involved in this incident a speedy recovery.
“Roscommon GAA strongly condemns any behaviour that puts any of our match officials at risk.
“The CCC will commence a full investigation into the incident
“We will not be making any further comment at this time.”
A spokesperson for An Garda Síochána added that gardaí are aware of a video of the incident that is circulating on social media and “are conducting enquiries into the matter”.
The match took place in the grounds of St Aidan’s GAA club and they have also released a statement in relation to the incident.
— St-Aidans GAA Club (@AidansGAA) September 1, 2022
“St Aidan’s GAA club is currently investigating an incident that occurred during a U-17 championship game on our club grounds on Wednesday evening.
“First and foremost, our thoughts are with the referee, and we wish him a speedy recovery. We would also like to thank the medical personnel who assisted him following the incident.
“The club will co-operate fully with the Roscommon CCC and Roscommon GAA in their investigation of the matter.
“We will not be making any further comment at this time.”
Minister of State for Sport Jack Chambers has condemned the “disgraceful incident”, stating on Twitter :
“This matter needs to be investigated in full by the relevant authorities & any individual found responsible for harming a match official needs to be held to account. My thoughts are with the referee.
“Referees are central to sport and participation in our communities. Our games cannot happen without them. A very strong message must go out that any abuse of match officials is unacceptable & will not be tolerated in sport. Referees must be respected & protected in all sports.”
I condemn the disgraceful incident that occurred at a GAA match yesterday. This matter needs to be investigated in full by the relevant authorities & any individual found responsible for harming a match official needs to be held to account. My thoughts are with the referee.
— Jack Chambers TD (@jackfchambers) September 1, 2022
- Updated by Órla Ryan and Christina Finn
