President of Irish Soccer Referee’s Society condemns assault on referee in Louth
The President of the Irish Soccer Referees Society, Mr. William Long, has condemned the assault on a junior soccer referee in Louth last night in a game in the North East Football League (NEFL).
Mr. Long stated: “First of all my thoughts and that of Society are with the referee concerned and his family. This is a shocking and appalling attack on someone who went out last night, giving up his free time to ensure a game of football was played. The referee, who is a valued and long-standing member of our Louth Branch, has attended hospital today for treatment of his injuries. We wish him a speedy recovery from this outrageous ordeal.”
Mr. Long added: “I know that the league and the FAI are fully investigating the matter and I have every confidence that the matter will be dealt with appropriately in due course.”
“Unfortunately, assaults and abuse of referees remains an ever present concern of Society and our members across the country. We are working hand-in-hand with the refereeing department of the FAI for some time now on various campaigns to reduce attacks on match officials.”
“This latest incident shows that, sadly, the ‘respect for the referee’ campaigns are not getting through to everyone participating in the game that we all love and care about,” said Mr. Long.
