An investigation has been launched regarding an incident in a Galway senior football match in which a referee ended up on the ground after being knocked over by a disgruntled supporter.
According to reports in the Connacht Tribune, referee Muiris Mac Gearailt was walking within the tunnel area of Galway's Pearse Stadium when the supporter in question shouldered him in the chest.
Officiating a tie between Milltown and Salthill/Knocknacarra, the Kerry native was knocked to the ground and subsequently aided by the match stewards present.
Although the referee is not believed to have suffered any significant injuries in the assault, it has been reported that he was left shaken up by such an unsuspecting attack, and, given the concrete surroundings of Pearse Stadium's interior, it was felt that Mac Gearailt had something of a lucky escape.
Courtesy of an eye-witness report from withing the tunnel area, the Connacht Tribune revealed how the consequences could have been "catastrophic" had the referee hit his head off the concrete floor or walls.
With the Galway GAA authorities now investigating the incident, it is hoped that a reasonable conclusion to this unnecessary attack can be reached.
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