Wicklow League in no mood for threatening behaviour

THE Wicklow League has adopted a hardline stance on the recent incidents of referees being intimidated and threatened, dishing out a number of suspensions and fines, with WDFL secretary John Shea stating that this conduct is simply not acceptable.

Recently a Wicklow Cup game between St. Fergal’s and Wicklow Town had to be called off midway through the second half by referee Michael Kennedy after a Wicklow Town player appeared to take a run at him with fists raised.

Luckily, Kennedy managed to get out of the way in time to call the game off and return to the dressing room.

The player in question had been dismissed for two yellow cards in quick succession following dissent and proceeded to follow the referee to the dressing room but was unable to force his way into the referee’s kit room.

As a result, the player has been hit with a three-year ban and a €50 fine whilst Wicklow Town were handed a €200 fine. St. Fergal’s will progress to the next round.

In a separate incident occurring towards the end of a match between Rathnew FC and Rialto FC, a player from the Dublin side was given a two-year ban for threatening the referee.

Several other multi-match suspensions were awarded for an off the ball incident at the same time. Yet again, this match was ended early as a result.

A number of St. Pat’s players are set to learn their fate after four red cards were issued in the recent league game against Arklow United.

The cards were issued after a number of St. Pat’s players took issue with a tackle from an Arklow United player which had been dealt with by the referee, resulting in threats being issued and the referee ending the game with over 20 minutes remaining in the contest.