Dublin ref strike cancelled after 'productive' talks

The Dublin branch of the Irish soccer referee's society (ISRS) have decided not to proceed with a planned strike after talks with the FAI.

The ISRS Dublin branch last week voted unanimously to withdraw their services, citing a "lack of confidence in the FAI Disciplinary Control Unit."

This decision meant that all fixtures in Dublin scheduled between 18 November and 4 December were set to be postponed.

The move was sparked by the referees' disenchantment with the level of sanctions applied for abuse of officials.

In a note sent to their clubs last week, the North Dublin schoolboy/schoolgirl league said referees are suffering unacceptable abuse and threatening behaviour from managers, players, coaches and supporters.

Speaking on News at One on Monday, ISRS vice-president Sean Shanley commented: "The feeling is, there are sanctions there [for unruly behaviour] under the current FAI rules and there's no need for new ones, it's just the enforcement of them is our problem. It's not just in this league, it's nationwide. There's problems in other counties.

However, the FAI and ISRS issued a joint-statement today, confirming the strike had been cancelled following "productive" talks between the two bodies.

In the statement, Slattery commented: "We held very productive talks with the FAI when they listened to our recent concerns and assured us of their commitment to stamping out all abuse of match officials.

"Following the satisfactory outcome of our talks, our members will be instructed to resume their service to refereeing and the proposed dates for the withdrawal of service have been cancelled. We look forward to continuing our work with the FAI to protect all match officials as they go about their duties."

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