Respect for refs in short supply in all codes

DIFFICULTIES with violence towards officials is not confined to the GAA, but a less extreme manifestation of the pressure on officials was highlighted by the controversy surrounding Matthew Raynal last month.

He is an outstanding French rugby referee, and he properly penalised Bernard Foley for timewasting as Australia tried to run down the clock in defending a slender lead against New Zealand.

It backfired. New Zealand won, and Australia whined mightily.

‘This is the heart of my job,’ Raynal said since, accepting the responsibility involved. In return, should come respect.