A former senior GAA referee last night backed officials who have gone on strike in the wake of the alleged assault on Kevin Naughton.
Brian Gavin – who officiated senior county All-Ireland hurling finals in 2011, 2013, 2014 and 2016 – said Wednesday night’s incident was “hard to fathom” and “frightening”.
The Offaly man told the Irish Mirror: “I can understand where the referees are coming from in Roscommon, 100%. There has to be a stance taken.”
READ MORE: Referee allegedly assaulted during U-17 gaelic football game speaks out after hospital release
Mr Naughton, a well-respected and experienced official, took charge of an under-17 game at Ballyforan between home side St Aidan’s and St Dominic’s when he was left needing medical attention after he was allegedly attacked.
Amid nationwide uproar over the incident, Roscommon County Board were left scrambling yesterday in a last-ditch attempt to save the weekend’s club fixtures.
A meeting was held on Thursday night with their officials and representatives for referees where the head honchos were told they would not have anyone to officiate the weekend’s matches.
Despite this, a note was sent to clubs from the county board executive saying “every effort” was being made to avoid cancellation of games.
But after 2pm yesterday, the plug was pulled on fixtures for last night, today and tomorrow. The games will now be played on September 16, 17 and 18.
A Roscommon GAA statement added: “The Referee’s Committee feel this action is necessary to strongly condemn any form of violence, aggression or abuse towards match officials in the GAA.
“Roscommon GAA strongly condemns any behaviour that puts any of our match officials at risk.”
Wednesday evening’s incident happened 30 seconds into the second half when Mr Naughton was approached by a man who walked onto the field from the sideline.
It is believe the referee red-carded the individual, who is not a player, before he fell to the ground after being allegedly assaulted.
Mr Naughton was tended to by medical personnel and was taken to hospital as a precaution.
Although footage of the victim on the ground went viral, no images have emerged yet of the altercation.
Roscommon GAA subsequently launched a full investigation into the incident as did club St Aidan’s, while Garda HQ said it was aware of the footage and was making “enquiries”.
Veteran hurling referee Mr Gavin believes the issue needs to be tackled head on to ensure it is not replicated in the amateur game.
He said: “The appropriate action needs to be taken here because if this is not dealt with – what road are we going down?
“I think it’s vital it’s dealt with and there’s an outcome to this and the right outcome comes from it both from Roscommon, the GAA and maybe the gardai. I’m not sure if they are investigating it.”
A recent report produced by Dr Noel Brick from Ulster University showed 94.29% of 438 GAA referees surveyed said they had experienced verbal abuse with 23.06% reporting physical assaults.
Asked what he thought of the incident, Mr Gavin said: "It’s worrying from a referee’s point of view.
“I’ve noticed since Covid, maybe it’s just me, but people are sort of angrier at matches, or shouting a little bit more but that’s only my personal point of view. But it’s hard to fathom.”
Vice President of the Irish Soccer Referees Society Sean Slattery also supported their counterparts who have gone on strike in Roscommon GAA.
He said last week a referee was assaulted in Dublin on the opening week of the soccer season and they have had 10 other incidents in the capital in the last 12 months.
Mr Slattery added: “We fully support our colleagues in the GAA and that’s not just for the sake of saying that. It’s a horrendous thing that happened.”
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