Lengthy ban proposed for incident which left referee requiring treatment

A 96-week suspension has been proposed for the person involved in an incident which left a referee requiring medical attention at a minor football match in Roscommon recently.

As a consequence of the incident on August 31, an ambulance was called to Ballyforan, the venue for the U-17 championship game.

The referee, Kevin Naughton of Clann na nGael, was assessed at the scene by medical personnel, and he was subsequently taken to Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe for further assessment.

The U-17 match was abandoned after the incident took place early in the second half. The referee had just issued a red card when the incident, involving an adult, took place.

A special Competitions Control Committee (CCC) was convened by Roscommon GAA to investigate the matter, and this committee has proposed the 96-week suspension, after studying the referee's report.

The infraction under which the suspension has been proposed governs ‘Any type of assault on a Referee, Umpire, Linesman or Sideline Official’. Such an infraction carries a minimum 48-week ban, but the committee has proposed a longer suspension in this case.

The individual or his club, St Aidan's, can accept the proposed suspension or seek a hearing.

The incident prompted a strike by Roscommon referees in protest, leading to the following weekend's fixtures being postponed. Referees in Roscommon have since resumed officiating duties.

As subsequent results meant both teams qualified for the semi-finals on opposite sides of the draw, the aforementioned match between St Aidan's and St Dominic's was not replayed.

St Aidan's are due to play Roscommon Gaels in their semi-final tomorrow evening (Friday) in Lisnamult. St Dominic’s meet Michael Glavey's/Eire Óg in the other U-17 championship semi-final on Saturday in Knockcroghery.