'Disgraceful' push on referee a setback for GAA keen to change culture

The GAA launched a 'Respect the Ref' campaign in October 2022 but last weekend showed that, one year on, the message is yet to hit home with some.

With Ireland eliminated from the Rugby World Cup, there is more airtime and more column inches available for Gaelic games but the headlines are again for the wrong reasons.

At O'Connor Park on Sunday, referee Barry Tiernan was pushed to the ground after taking charge of Meath champions Summerhill's 1-09 to 1-07 win over Tullamore in the Leinster Club SFC.

Dublin ref Tiernan had changed his mind after awarding a penalty to the hosts, deep into injury-time.

After the final whistle, a number of people attempted to accost him as he was being escorted from the pitch, before he was approached from behind by a supporter and pushed in the back.

"I saw it myself and I can't deny it, a disgraceful incident," Offaly chairman Michael Duignan told RTÉ Radio 1's Sunday Sport.

"There was a bit of controversy at the end where the referee awarded a penalty and then it was overruled and obviously the players were frustrated and they were remonstrating.

"But there was no danger, the players were well away from the ref coming off the field. The Tullamore team are a very sporting team, just disappointed, which you would be.

"But somebody came in from the terrace then and pushed the referee from behind so it was terrible. It's a very, very tough job and I would have had my arguments over the years with refs but you wouldn't dream about laying a finger on a referee.

"So look, I'm very sorry it happened here today and I'm sure it'll be dealt with in due course."

Leinster GAA are expected to investigate and the individual involved could face a lengthy ban if they are a member of the association and found to