Verbal and physical abuse of referees has to stop - Donegal League AGM told

Abuse of referees - both verbally and physically - is something that needs to be stamped out Donegal League clubs were told at Monday night’s AGM in Ballyare. 

Dessie McLaughlin of the Irish Soccer Referees Society (ISRS) addressed those in attendance after two serious assaults took place throughout the season.

“There were two heavy bans from the assaults but it’s two too many from our opinion and the ongoing verbal abuse is getting worse in the past few years.

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“There are a couple of rule changes, with one of them being the goalkeeper has eight seconds to release the ball once he has it in his hands. 

“And the referee will count down for the final five seconds by raising his hand.” Punishment for this will be a corner kick to the opposition.

“Last year's rule will be ongoing of captains only to speak to the referee and it is compulsory for teams to wear a captain’s armband.

“We’re asking the Donegal League to implement that all teams will be confirmed thirty minutes before kick off because we’re seeing referees take their phone out to the pitch to see if teams have been confirmed before the game starts.”