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Pat Nolan

GAA club vow to 'co-operate fully' as referee taken to hospital after kids game

The GAA club at the centre of an alleged assault on a referee at an underage game last night has said it will “co-operate fully” with any investigation.

Footage has emerged of the referee lying stricken on the field in Ballyforan, County Roscommon during an under-17 football game between St Aidan’s and St Dominic’s, which was subsequently abandoned.

However, no footage has emerged as yet of an actual assault on the match official, who had to be taken away in an ambulance before being released from hospital today.

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The alleged incident took place early in the second half when the referee issued a red card to an individual who was not one of the players but who had encroached on the field.

Following what eye-witnesses reported to be a push, the referee stumbled and fell to the ground, hitting his head in the process.

Emergency medical attention was called and the referee was taken to hospital for observation before being released today with no significant injury.

“St Aidan’s GAA Club is currently investigating an incident that occured during an under-17 championship game on our club grounds on Wednesday evening,” the club said in a statement.

General view of an ambulance at a GAA field (©INPHO/Donall Farmer)

“First and foremost, our thoughts are with the referee, and we wish him a speedy recovery. We would also like to thank the medical personnel who assisted him following the incident.

“The club will co-operate fully with the Roscommon CCC and Roscommon GAA in their investigation of the matter.

“We will not be making any further comment at this time.”

Roscommon GAA earlier issued a statement saying that it “strongly condemns any behaviour that puts any of our match officials at risk” and promised a full investigation.

An Garda Síochána has said that it is conducting enquiries into the matter.

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