Referee Daniel Sweeney has said he has forgiven the assailants that have left him with serious facial injuries. Mr. Sweeney was assaulted in a car-park by three men after a soccer game between Horseleap United and Mullingar Town in Horseleap, Co Offaly on Sunday last.
Sweeney was left with a series of horrific injuries, namely two fractures to his jaw, one fracture to his eye socket and multiple cuts and bruises, some of which required stitches.
Speaking today to RTE News, Sweeney said that he holds no animosity to his attackers and hopes to see a day when a referee can go on a pitch and feel safe.
I want to say thanks for the messages of support, it has been overwhelming. I want to say thank you to the hospital staff, who have given me great care and attention. My main message here is to say to the individuals involved is that I bear no animosity whatsoever for what happened, and actually I forgive you for what happened. What would I like to see come out of this at the end of the day? I would like to see the day when a referee can go onto a football field, feel safe and be safe.
A video of Sweeney's interview can be viewed below, via RTE News.
Referee Daniel Sweeney, who was assaulted after a soccer match in the midlands at the weekend, says he would like to see the day that a referee can go on a pitch and 'feel safe' pic.twitter.com/B9R3NdX1j0
— RTÉ News (@rtenews) November 13, 2018
