Abuse of Referees

Has that not been changed? Like, they can investigate if it's in the public interest and there is evidence.

Either way, it won't be a quick investigation. Everyone that was there would have to be identified and a statement requested. Phone footage will need to be requested and viewed. They will need an injured party statement from the ref, if he's willing to give one (I'd imagine he will in this case). Once enough evidence points to a suspect they would then either arrest him or he would give a voluntary caution statement (usually only if they're admitting, saves the process/paperwork). A file would then need to be prepared, sent to the local Inspector/Super who would decide then if it requires DPP advice. This won't be over quickly if there is an investigation.

The stories of the manager headbutting the ref unconscious seems to be the actual truth going by what I've read so far, but as pointed out it is still all hearsay at the moment. Yes, the crucial 3 seconds are missing, you me and the crows know what happened, but that doesn't mean it can be legally proven. People would be surprised by what can cause a case to fail, and it's getting harder and harder these days with more and more loopholes and bleeding hearts making it harder. It should be simpler, more straight forward, but it isn't. It's why I always say that you had to be a Garda to really understand what it's like, and the files/paperwork is near the top of the pile of the worst aspects of the job, and the reason most things take aaaaaaaaaaaaages. (FWIW, it took me 18 months to investigate threats simply because I had 10K text messages to read and use as evidence...)

On the topic at hand, I don't understand how all refs are not treated the same as the rugby ones. I couldn't do it. The ones I feel for the most (albeit they're also probably paid the most) are the ones in professional soccer. The way these millionaires talk and act to some of them... I'd plant them! And they fall over easy enough so wouldn't be hard I'd say. Beyond me why lads do it unpaid or for a few quid here. There'll be no refs, then no matches, and the people at fault will then be giving out because they've no matches to go to.

Although, used to be quite verbal when I attended matches when I was younger. It's only after I lost interest in sport that I realised how horrible I was being, specifically to the ref and based solely on my own understanding of what happened. But it seemed to be the done thing. Everyone in the crowd did it. It was funny to a child, all these adults getting angry and upset and using curse words! Of course we were going to copy them. The whole attitude needs to change, and I can't see that happening.

Heat of the moment ? He calmly walked onto the pitch !

you def have to be on a wind up . The one thing I agree with is we dont need a media circus but we do need this to be dealt with properly

If you think an apology is sufficient then you are delusional

The soft on Crime Judges are allowing people be attacked on our streets with no repercussions so not really surprising officials at sports matchs get attacked as well.

If this guy was brought to court a free legal aid solicitor and judge will ensure nothing of any note happens him. The GAA will suspend him for a lengthy period but our courts will do nothing as usual.

No judge is responsible for a referee getting a smack during an under 17s game. Get a grip here

There is a section of our society who know the judges and courts are soft on crime so they can attack people on the streets etc.

You can hit guards even these days and you dont go to jail , our soft on crime courts have got people used to little or no repercussions for attacking anyone be that referees , guards or your next door neighbor.

I did referee and I did it for free. Mayb the money attracts the bad referees?

It has been suggested by some posters on this thread that some referees are useless and deserve to be abused and/ or assaulted.

Some referees may be useless. This does not justify direct action by players or managers.

I'm not a fan of rugby, but they have got the refereeing right. Why don't GAA and soccer follow their lead - they don't even have to invent a system.

This, in a nutshell. Toerag behavior being excused, Happens in other sports where officials are abused, and folks far too reluctant to call this out as disgraceful.

Look at recent Wimby final. That toerag, Kyrgios and his behavour duing the match. Not a wimper from the commentary to call him out on it, or to defend the officials.

Just on this incident: I haven't read through the thread. What has been verified?

Imagine thinking that €50 to referee a game is a nice little earner, just how moronic do you have to be to think that?

Give up your evenings to go out in all sorts of weather and take abuse from all sides for the princely sum of what, €16 an hour?

As money making schemes go it isn't exactly the most efficient that I have ever heard of.

LOL, "no malice".

Would hate to see what consider "with malice" to be....

Seven games a week ie schools and the league matches for several I know is not to be sneezed at. Some of these are very good referees but as I said it’s a nice little earner for a few who are poor enough.l