Violence in the GAA is once again the topic at hand, after a minor hurling match in Dublin between Naomh Fionnbarra and Clanna Gael Fontenoy was abandoned on Sunday afternoon following the alleged assault of an umpire.
Not only was the game at Sean Moore Park abandoned but Gardaí attended and are now investigating the alleged incident. One eye-witness told the Irish Independent that it was "worst incident I’ve ever seen" and there are claims that the umpire was left covered in blood.
Naomh Fionnbarra today released a statement to RTÉ criticising and rebuking the media's coverage of the incident.
Naomh Fionnbarra GAA club is aware of media coverage surrounding our U18 hurling league game against Clana Gael in Ringsend we await the referees report from the game and a possible investigation from the Dublin County Board.
We dispute some of the one-sided media reports and have launched an internal investigation. We are aware that members of both clubs have contacted Gardaí in relation to incidents at the game.
The Gardaí have also confirmed to media that they've launched an investigation into the incident and it is believed that they're in possession of a number of video clips of the incident from onlookers.
This incident comes on the back of serious concerns within the GAA about a growing culture of abusing match officials. Such incidents were a massive problem during the 2022 club season. The GAA increased the minimum suspension for assaulting officials to 96 weeks at Congress last month but whether this will help in slowing these incidents is unclear.
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