Limerick Desmond League 2018/19

[Soreloser]

Facebook page :- Irish Soccer Referees Society Limerick West :- some statement up there outlining the refs side

[Shearer]

This is the statement I saw anyway, how many are there?!

https://i.imgur.com/hfY1Soh.jpg

[DesmondLad]

Refs statement from facebook
It is with deep and heartfelt sadness we must issue this statement.
We have waited 8 weeks without commenting in the hope that a resolution could be found. Sadly none to date.
On March 19th following a cup game our member had to endure an unprovoked attack on his person. Firstly as he made his way to the exit gate from the pitch after the game ended he was verbally abused and brushed against by a spectator then a home team player who was in front of the referee turned back and verbally abused him also. He identified this player and showed him a red card. Then in a cowardly act he was punched from behind to his right hand kidney area and as he turned around to see the culprit he was spat on the face from the left hand side. Eventually he made it to his car in the car park and after a while left the ground. Thankfully he was fit to drive despite being in shock for some time and made his way to a Garda station to report the incident. He submitted 3 reports to the Management Committee (MC). 1 spectator assault. 2 red card of player. 3 assault from behind. Our response was to protect all our members by advising them not to referee this club on their own until the culprits were identified and dealt with by the MC, As a way of allowing the club continue to fulfill their fixtures we offered to officiate them as a trio again until the matter was resolved. This action was taken to protect the safety of our members. The club's response was to try to discredit the referee by calling some players "names" and red carding the wrong player. He denied this and was certain he got the correct player for abusing him as the player was in front of him.The MC sent the assault report to the DCU to be heard but was returned to them to deal with as the season had already commenced since the new changes came into force. The MC dealt with reports 1 and 2 and we have no issue with that but the handling of the assault report 3 that is our concern. The club produced the name of a player whom they said had owned up to them that he committed both offences ( punching and spitting). The MC on again reading the referees report agreed that it was feasible that the individual could have committed both offences despite the report saying they came from opposite sides. On receiving this decision we again contacted the MC to state that the referee was clear that he was assaulted by two persons. No resolution was found and eventually it was agreed to hold a meeting on May 7th between members of our committee the league committee and FAI reps. The league again ruled out our suggestion of a trio to get games played and the FAI stance was that the FAI legal dept. had endorsed the league's handling of the report. We have since requested a copy of this endorsement but it has not been forthcoming. We then advised both parties that the assaulted referee had been contacted by the Gardai and informed that the young man named and suspended by the league had gone to the Garda station and put on record that he had committed neither assault. This evidence was dismissed by the FAI reps who insist that the case was dealt with. In the end a proposal was put on the table to carry back to our members to decide on. It was agreed by all to give us 48 hours to call a meeting. The following night the MC decided to hold an information night for the clubs. Why this was done while a proposal was on the table baffles us as they were aware they would have no answer from us for another 24 hours at least. We were not invited to make a statement or have any input to their information night. Led from the top table this turned out to be a referee bashing exercise. Remember a referee was assaulted and a comment from the top table of "if you sneeze now there's a report sent in"was not in he least helpful. Another comment from the top was "we will split the referees branch" which has had the opposite effect. Many delegates made insulting and hurtful remarks about our members. In fact some have come back and written an apology for what they said and we accept that. This anti referee sentiment was fueled from the MC to garnish support for themselves. As you can imagine this was not appreciated by our members at our meeting which was deferred to Friday night where it was decided by all the members to make themselves unavailable to referee Youths and Junior Football in the Desmond Football League until the culprits are found and dealt with by the league. As it stands the MC have 14 names from the match card for the game in question and 2 of those players assaulted a referee so why can it not be dealt with? If we return to referee this club's Youths A or B teams we may be facing the people who assaulted our colleague and we don't believe this to be a safe situation to put our members in.We feel sorry for the clubs awaiting cup finals and seeking promotion as this is not of their making but as we enter the 9th week since the assault a stand has to be made and feel sorry for the senior referees in our branch who may now have retired from Junior football, but we must protect the upcoming young referees or nobody will take up the hobby. We must acknowledge that the club did write to the assaulted referee to apologise albeit some 6 weeks after the event but we acknowledge the apology. The history of our branch will show that we have never been disruptive and always had a good working relationship with the league until that ill-advised information meeting.

Limerick West Branch I.S.R.S.

[Shearer]

DesmondLad, can you provide a direct link to where you got this statement because I'm having great difficulty finding it.

[Shearer]

https://www.facebook.com/447831982649180/posts/447837535981958/
Thanks for that!

[Red_Devil]

A motion of no confidence, would u cop yourself on, the FAI and the referees association have both told them to go back. The refs are 100% wrong, no debate
After reading that statement would you still hold this position?

[Griffo]

Fair play to the refs for showing such solidarity. I was told a couple clubs at the meeting raised concerns at how the refs were being treated and one was told he was being selfish as his club were on track for a league win, by an Abbey delegate.
I’ll say it again, do the right thing Abbey, walk away and save the league.

[Soreloser]

See it's on the leader website now as well,Anyone of the opinion that a new Management committee might be required.

[Foxynob44]

Two options either 3 refs at abbey games or abbey gone from league.. no other option will work at this stage

[last man back]

If they can’t sort it out you have to wonder what’s the point of them being there. However in saying that who else is going to do it. Same faces at agm every year and 90% of them can’t wait to get out the door.

[Griffo]

Yes, the referees are a disgrace and should be held to account for the disruption that they have caused. Also fair play to the referees for setting up a number of accounts on foot.ie to tell each other how good they all are. Could anyone confirm, how many games has this referee has called off in 2 years because of alleged assault, I’m being told four

Serious claims. You're either emotionally invested or have proof to back this up.

[Gazza29]

Serious claims. You're either emotionally invested or have proof to back this up.

What claims?

[Ballistinianlad]

There’s two options on the table as far as I’m concerned now
Either the management committee pull the plug on the league or abbey are withdrawn from all competitions until further notice.
Neither is a good option but unfortunately I don’t see any other way to solve this.
Going by that statement Some of the comments made by one committee member in particular was very unnecessary.

[Round Tower]

DesmondLad, can you provide a direct link to where you got this statement because I'm having great difficulty finding it.

https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.limerickleader.ie%2Fnews %2Fsport%2F416888%2Flimerick-soccer-referee-society-issue-statement-following-alleged-assault.html%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR33NPobm20i-yU9qhV9ULPcImRXUc__2OHzPojRdPsxOhc3oTZF3QV-bDg%23.XNsLJTYWi9Y.facebook&h=AT3X4shdoAG63J0BEJ_aqwAF2qwACXwyUIu-f6J1uIviNfuH1Ll5u75Y0Wd04m5IRa7Kjm7x8Ed-L4gtI6aMVD5UzPPA9dw9xFbKipeQwk-gFJx7kxbBV2wWioUWmeJWRHeZU30Hg0HJHKqCSKBXUO-1M1BlrCEs_wwV3fYVTP3c2ZXxY6_PwRTQJlg3FONKMwVJRBaw7 2LeGH9tqzrag8Ge5IOSiFGFcFJPPB5ugGbY6Sh7BOnDHpAilOj 0_qo-bYvIX-pHI7xbmRhzYXbkL0X8WrK2oY9gWVIJfdSL7X4FkBIcIWLGtnX7 pYKZV_AkZrKJ5qMp326l0-1s3FvMHZLlnvfWt5MjJizCOCCvCkEloWZDJXsotwe2Td1wJUcs s10zy92mC0vNrrFVLkOb-MVy2cXQsnwkCTEQBn1ZOlVc86AsyfgYfZ7grVjgxICMmlUPcEG gJgphzpmNFoDK7r9pT63vSD5btEs0F8uIo8SXbdfu1FCAa4XIg m4y0yB26aEV2vLaDPQYy1OrYPIOKcaHw1bphgb3wSeKggm6O9G 1-eC0V5Q1sCvWEZZR05az2A1hWnubrfzPMVxhE9XQXSX-QK_h5iATgao0GYb3lBAbZ5T_oicRv3bxzRqrsDy3niEXCz2Yhp oaQkZBSwfgSdF3UXo_vXnabwNHxQ

[Gazza29]

There’s two options on the table as far as I’m concerned now
Either the management committee pull the plug on the league or abbey are withdrawn from all competitions until further notice.
Neither is a good option but unfortunately I don’t see any other way to solve this.
Going by that statement Some of the comments made by one committee member in particular was very unnecessary.

Option 1, pull the plug on the league, train up new refs and, fire all the existing referee’s so we never have to look at them again. Let’s call a spade a spade, we tolerated their poor performances for long enough, bar 3 or 4, their fitness is shocking and they would talk down to u as if they were company directors. Enough is enough, it’s time for the refs to sail on into the sunset, they have enough damage done. But before ye go, be sure to apologise to all the clubs whose 8 months hard work ye have flushed down the toilet

[twotouch]

Your obviously highly involved with abbey Gazza. Some amount of hate there towards the refs which is completely uncalled for. The refs as I said before are completely in d right and hopefully it does get media coverage it deserves. Hopefully it gets resolved quickly now and the ref bashing stops and the truth fully comes out

[Griffo]

What claims?


Your claims that refs are setting up fake accounts. Your comments on this topic have been rash to say the least.

[Gazza29]

1. It’s easy to see when an account was set up so why don’t you call out all the pages that are set up by refs.
2. You’re being “told four” so this is a claim by someone else which you don’t have proof of.
3. It’s not an alleged assault as the club sent a letter of apology to the ref(eventually after 6 weeks).
How do you think it’s acceptable for a ref to be assaulted and the perpetrators not get punished. Is it possible you’ve a vested interest?

Where did I say it was acceptable for the ref to be assaulted, have 2 bans not been handed out, one of which signed a statement to the league claiming responsibility for both offences.
Can u say yes or no to the above statement
Finally, can u confirm how many games this ref has abandoned in the last four years and the reasons for same

[Gazza29]

Your claims that refs are setting up fake accounts. Your comments on this topic have been rash to say the least.
Again, what claims specifically

[Griffo]

Again, what claims specifically

Again, your claims that the refs set up fake accounts.

[Gazza29]

Again, your claims that the refs set up fake accounts.

1)Two accounts at least setup since the incident, 2) these accounts have done nothing but support the “refs”
3) the statement released on a newly created fb page was released here at the same time
Yeah u are right, ye aren’t refs.
Mail each other privately now and tell each other about how good a job ye did at some u8 match this evening

[twotouch]

People entitled to have their say Gazza not just from abbey. Everyone I’ve spoken to have fully backed d refs (I’m not a ref) and all off d opinion abbey r in d wrong and was not handled correctly. Just on a side note there is no refs for u8 but there might have to be back in abbey though

[Red_Devil]

Where did I say it was acceptable for the ref to be assaulted, have 2 bans not been handed out, one of which signed a statement to the league claiming responsibility for both offences.
Can u say yes or no to the above statement
Finally, can u confirm how many games this ref has abandoned in the last four years and the reasons for same

If you read my message I never stated that you said it was acceptable for a ref to be assaulted. I asked you how is it acceptable for a ref to be assaulted due to your persistence that the refs are 100% wrong.
No one ban has been handed out to someone who has subsequently denied it.
No I can’t confirm that as, like you, I don’t know how many.

[Gazza29]

People entitled to have their say Gazza not just from abbey. Everyone I’ve spoken to have fully backed d refs (I’m not a ref) and all off d opinion abbey r in d wrong and was not handled correctly. Just on a side note there is no refs for u8 but there might have to be back in abbey though

There is only 1 place where support counts, and that’s in a meeting, and it was pretty clear at the meeting last Wednesday night who had all the support

[Red_Devil]

1)Two accounts at least setup since the incident, 2) these accounts have done nothing but support the “refs”
3) the statement released on a newly created fb page was released here at the same time
Yeah u are right, ye aren’t refs.
Mail each other privately now and tell each other about how good a job ye did at some u8 match this evening

Griffo’s account set up in 2018.
Twotouch’s account set up in 2013.
My account set up in Feb 2019.
Unless we are also fortune tellers don’t see any of us being refs.

[twotouch]

The meeting where from what I heard the refs were dragged through d rubbish. From people who I know were at d meeting there was support for abbey like always when the have some1 backing them at d top table that’s going to be d case abbey are the love child of d league and Jesus god forbid anything happens them. Strange that the player in question was not called in front of d committee and ban just given. Think about d clubs about to be promoted to premier and division 1. As was said previously if it was any other team they would be gone by now

[Shearer]

Let's try and keep things civil by the way lads, last thing we want is Desmond League discussion being stopped entirely.

[Shearer]

To be honest, they weren’t dragged through the rubbish half enough, but yes that’s the meeting where the people that matter, the clubs showed who they support. Did yere clubs not listen to ye, oops I forgot, yere club the “ref club” were too busy drafting a Mickey Mouse statement, it probably took ye the week
This thread will be closed soon with the level of unnecessary vitriol being fired.

[Ballistinianlad]

The fact he thinks that I’m a referee is laughable to be honest.
Most people have made very good and fair points. He just seems to be trolling at this stage. Defend your club fair enough. But some of the accusations being thrown out are crazy

[Griffo]

Its clear Gazza is too emotionally invested in this to have a discussion with. As stated my account set up in 2018, I am clearly not a ref. Not all clubs went against the refs in the meeting, Creeves, AK and Rathkeale called for compromise and hearing the refs side of story.

[Red_Devil]

Griffo’s account set up in 2018.
Twotouch’s account set up in 2013.
My account set up in Feb 2019.
Unless we are also fortune tellers don’t see any of us being refs.
Ballinstinlad joined in 2014 to add to the list. Do you not reply when the facts contradict you Gazza29

[fanaticfan]

The referees were dead right what they did. It's a hobby to them and to get assaulted like that is a joke

[runinglate]

Its clear Gazza is too emotionally invested in this to have a discussion with. As stated my account set up in 2018, I am clearly not a ref. Not all clubs went against the refs in the meeting, Creeves, AK and Rathkeale called for compromise and hearing the refs side of story.

I wouldsay the three clubs mentioned didnt side with the refs either, as they are challenging for trophies and have put so much effort into being where they are they want the season to finish as soon as possible with holidays/exams coming up.
The refs not been invited on the night in hindsight was probally something the league wouldnt do again, at least it would have gave some balance.

I personaly think the short fix is not any good and will cause grief for a new season starting next year. The root of the problem seems to be the second player, this needs to be shaked down if it happened in the car park there has to be witneses. This is going to leave a sour taste for abbey/refs no matter what.

An independent mediator is needed pronto, we have spend years saying the gaa is tryinh to ruin desmond league soccer. We are about to pull ourselves down from within.

[Kennycon]

Assaulting a ref is a disgraceful act and the appropriate measures should have been taken by the league, individuals from outside the league should now investigate the situation and try come to a justified outcome. In this instance the refs are 100% right to show solidarity to insure this type of behavior does not happen again. Clubs in the Desmond league carry a lot of positive history this seems to be so out of character.

[dutchie]

i say it again, if it was a small club involved it would be banned long ago.

[the 12 th man]

Lads,last warning,next abusive post will see the poster suspended/banned and the thread closed,either debate it with a bit of cop on or the thread will be closed.

[DesmondLad]

I am not a ref either, (not that Gazza will believe me) I joined of late as I couldn't sit back and just keep reading the same thing over and over again. Is this not a Public forum where we are free to voice our opinions.
As you said yourself Gazza, you claim that at the delegate meeting all clubs showed support for the leagues stance and little for the refs. Sure that was always going to be the case when only one side of the story is told. The refs statement gives us their side of the story, an insight into the chain of events that occurred since the assault. Is there not two sides to every story? Are we not entitled to draw our own conclusions? Or do have to continue to listen to You banging your drum about how bad the current refs are. This really doesn't solve anything. Clearly you are frustrated that Abbey aren't playing, which is fair enough but the rest of us are in the same boat now, we have no games either and there is a danger the league won't finish.
You expect us to take the leagues word without question on the case when a prominent member/an officer of Abbey Utd sits on the desmond committee? The leagues own actions have cast doubt over the entire investigation. I heard from delegates who were at last week's meeting that this desmond officer & Abbey committee member himself made representions to the league on his clubs behalf. He presented Abbeys investigation and findings to the league. How was this allowed? Is there not a clear conflict of interest here? Abbeys vice chairman making a case for his club when he sits as PRO officer of the desmond committee. Did no one from the committee stand up and say wait a minute, there is a clear conflict of interest here?? Even the conclusions drawn by the league as to the refs report that the same individual did both crimes. Why would you punch someone from behind on the right hand side and run around to his left side to spit at him. Would he not have just spit at him at same side once he turned around? Makes no sense. The issue of the player denying the assault after admitting to it once the guards got involved. League completely ignored this new evidence. Why?.The fact that there are now 2 other names floating around further clouds the situation even more. There are too many Question marks over the entire case for me to come down on the leagues/Abbeys side and not consider all other facts. As the saying goes 'there is no smoke without a fire'.. Lastly, clubs were promised another meeting this week with updates and discussions on what happens next. They had a meeting Monday night but we as clubs have had no direct communication from the league about what's going on. Again left in the dark, wondering, guessing and hoping that we will return to football soon.

[Ballistinianlad]

The whole situation is now gone quite sad.
Was looking forward to the last few games and
Then the off season and coming back next year all guns blazing. Couldn’t blame anyone who packs it in now or moves to town etc

[Griffo]

I am not a ref either, (not that Gazza will believe me) I joined of late as I couldn't sit back and just keep reading the same thing over and over again. Is this not a Public forum where we are free to voice our opinions.
As you said yourself Gazza, you claim that at the delegate meeting all clubs showed support for the leagues stance and little for the refs. Sure that was always going to be the case when only one side of the story is told. The refs statement gives us their side of the story, an insight into the chain of events that occurred since the assault. Is there not two sides to every story? Are we not entitled to draw our own conclusions? Or do have to continue to listen to You banging your drum about how bad the current refs are. This really doesn't solve anything. Clearly you are frustrated that Abbey aren't playing, which is fair enough but the rest of us are in the same boat now, we have no games either and there is a danger the league won't finish.
You expect us to take the leagues word without question on the case when a prominent member/an officer of Abbey Utd sits on the desmond committee? The leagues own actions have cast doubt over the entire investigation. I heard from delegates who were at last week's meeting that this desmond officer & Abbey committee member himself made representions to the league on his clubs behalf. He presented Abbeys investigation and findings to the league. How was this allowed? Is there not a clear conflict of interest here? Abbeys vice chairman making a case for his club when he sits as PRO officer of the desmond committee. Did no one from the committee stand up and say wait a minute, there is a clear conflict of interest here?? Even the conclusions drawn by the league as to the refs report that the same individual did both crimes. Why would you punch someone from behind on the right hand side and run around to his left side to spit at him. Would he not have just spit at him at same side once he turned around? Makes no sense. The issue of the player denying the assault after admitting to it once the guards got involved. League completely ignored this new evidence. Why?.The fact that there are now 2 other names floating around further clouds the situation even more. There are too many Question marks over the entire case for me to come down on the leagues/Abbeys side and not consider all other facts. As the saying goes 'there is no smoke without a fire'.. Lastly, clubs were promised another meeting this week with updates and discussions on what happens next. They had a meeting Monday night but we as clubs have had no direct communication from the league about what's going on. Again left in the dark, wondering, guessing and hoping that we will return to football soon.

Great point about the conflict of interest. It is the elephant in the room that no one seems to be mentioning! I wouldn’t be surprised to see clubs consider to move into town, not just players. The league, while trying to show loyalty to a club, have shown none to the rest of the league.

[PatRooney]

Whoever honestly thinks the referees are making up fake accounts commenting on this really need to have a look at themselves. I could be wrong but I believe there is ex referees active on here that no longer referee as a result of constant abuse. Which proves the referees are 100% correct with the stance they have taken. Without the refs we have no game.

I remember one instance where a referee took so much abuse in a youths match he had to be persuaded to return to the pitch for the second half by opposition players. He is no longer reffing.

Also shearer already mentioned the futsal, this might be an idea or way of finishing out the season or maybe go with that from the start next season. Just an idea.

[Shearer]

The whole situation is now gone quite sad.
Was looking forward to the last few games and
Then the off season and coming back next year all guns blazing. Couldn’t blame anyone who packs it in now or moves to town etc
That last piece had been on my mind the last few days. You look at the likes of Chris Smith who's trying to maintain himself as a Junior International. I've met plenty of people who turn their nose up at him because he plays out here and after this debacle you wouldn't blame him if he went into Limerick. I might add, he trained with Janesboro and played a friendly with Pike last year.

[PatRooney]

That last piece had been on my mind the last few days. You look at the likes of Chris Smith who's trying to maintain himself as a Junior International. I've met plenty of people who turn their nose up at him because he plays out here and after this debacle you wouldn't blame him if he went into Limerick. I might add, he trained with Janesboro and played a friendly with Pike last year.

You might add. That would suit you down to the ground anyway "Shearer" as the majority of games you watch seen to be in the LDL rather than supporting your local team and league. What are you trying to do now get the best players that are left in the league to go into the LDL. Who exactly are these people turning their nose up at him? Players, management and supporters of the LDl is it. Do us all a favour and give it a rest. You won't get away with giving it this and that inside there because you'll be told where to go. Rant over

[Ballistinianlad]

You might add. That would suit you down to the ground anyway "Shearer" as the majority of games you watch seen to be in the LDL rather than supporting your local team and league. What are you trying to do now get the best players that are left in the league to go into the LDL. Who exactly are these people turning their nose up at him? Players, management and supporters of the LDl is it. Do us all a favour and give it a rest. You won't get away with giving it this and that inside there because you'll be told where to go. Rant over


To be fair here. I don’t think anyone would need much encouragement to leave the Desmond league now. There’s a real possibility this season has ended now. It’s also highly likely next season is in huge jeopardy.
What would entice you to stay anymore ?
As a huge Desmond league man myself. It’s actually sickening

[Shearer]

You might add. That would suit you down to the ground anyway "Shearer" as the majority of games you watch seen to be in the LDL rather than supporting your local team and league. What are you trying to do now get the best players that are left in the league to go into the LDL. Who exactly are these people turning their nose up at him? Players, management and supporters of the LDl is it. Do us all a favour and give it a rest. You won't get away with giving it this and that inside there because you'll be told where to go. Rant over
I'm a proud Desmond League man, just because I watch games elsewhere from time to time due to work doesn't mean I'm a Judas. I'm going to leave this post from a few months back and you can tell me whether or not I sound like someone who wants to ship players out of the league


Just a note lads:

Alan Murphy, Sean Madigan, Andy Quaid and Marty Madden all represented UL who were runners-up in the Collingwood Cup during the week.
Karl O'Sullivan appeared for the Irish Home-Based Under-21's in a friendly against the Irish Juniors during the week, Killian Brouder was on standby for that squad while Chris Smith was on standby for the Juniors.
Paul Sheehan was capped for the Irish Defence Forces not too long ago too as they qualified for the Military World Cup.

If you've a problem DM me, let's not close this thread over silly claims.

[PatRooney]

I'm a proud Desmond League man, just because I watch games elsewhere from time to time due to work doesn't mean I'm a Judas. I'm going to leave this post from a few months back and you can tell me whether or not I sound like someone who wants to ship players out of the league



If you've a problem DM me, let's not close this thread over silly claims.

I've no problem with you personally. What exactly is your point with that previous post? Your too worried about following teams from outside of your own local team. If you may put that time and effort into your own club i.e coaching/fundraising they'll he a hell of a way better off than they are now. (Not discrediting the work been done by anyone in the club at the moment, fair play to them)

[Shearer]

I've no problem with you personally. What exactly is your point with that previous post? Your too worried about following teams from outside of your own local team. If you may put that time and effort into your own club i.e coaching/fundraising they'll he a hell of a way better off than they are now. (Not discrediting the work been done by anyone in the club at the moment, fair play to them)
I'm not answering questions in a public forum, if you want Answers DM me.

[PatRooney]

You've enough time to have an opinion on everything said on here. Again, what was the point of your quoted post?

[Shearer]

For the hundredth time, if you have an issue and want answers DM me.

The quoted post was evidence of me praising Desmond League players both at home further afield for their accomplishments, the mind boggles as to how you can then come to the conclusion that I want players to play in Limerick as that would make me happy.
I'm not replying any further, if you have questions then you know what to do.

[Gazza29]

Very strange that the referees statement hasn’t received more support than 26 likes on FB. Is there any chance that the clubs are actually still backing the leagues handling of the case. Ye better setup Facebook pages lads and get liking ;)

[Griffo]

Very strange that the referees statement hasn’t received more support than 26 likes on FB. Is there any chance that the clubs are actually still backing the leagues handling of the case. Ye better setup Facebook pages lads and get liking ;)

He is now counting Facebook likes to bolster his argument. What chance do the refs have when they up against people with this level of maturity!