Offaly GAA chairman Michael Duignan called referee Barry Tiernan being shoved to the ground following Summerhill's Leinster Club Football Championship victory over Tullamore "a disgraceful incident".
Summerhill, the Meath champions, won Sunday's Leinster round one clash at O'Connor Park 1-9 to 1-7. Late in the game, it appeared as though Tullamore would have a chance to claim the win after they were awarded a penalty by the referee.
However, the decision, which had already been upgraded from a free to a spot kick by the official, was again changed to a free.
18 February 2023; Referee Barry Tiernan has his radio fitted by Fergal Kelly before the Allianz Football League Division Four match between Wicklow and London at Echelon Park in Aughrim, Wicklow. Photo by Stephen Marken/Sportsfile
Tullamore went for goal from the placed ball but failed to get the score they required.
The full-time whistle followed shortly after and players angrily remonstrated with the referee as he departed the pitch. As he did so, an individual shoved Dublin referee Tiernan to the ground. The scenes were broadcast live on Clubber TV.
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Michael Duignan 'very sorry' over Tullamore referee assault
"I saw it myself and I can't deny it, a disgraceful incident," Duignan told RTÉ Radio One'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.
24 September 2023; Tullamore players celebrate with the cup after the Offaly GAA Senior Football Championship final match between Ferbane and Tullamore at Glenisk O'Connor Park in Tullamore, Offaly. Photo by Eóin Noonan/Sportsfile
"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."
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