Ex-ref blows whistle on GAA pitch battles

'Assault' warning after clubs fined

- DANNY DE VAAL

AN ex-GAA referee said players would face assault charges for match scuffles if they happened on the street.

Clare man Rory Hickey, who retired before the pandemic, alleged some people think it's OK to attack members of the opposing team or match officials.

The 45-year-old said he was happy that the GAA has begun to take appropriate action against culprits.

The top official made the comments after players at two Dublin-based clubs were slapped with lengthy bans after an umpire was allegedly attacked during an under-18s hurling game.