Wicklow League Referee Strike

**KR's Post** · 12/02/2009, 8:29 PM

Contrary to reports in wednesday Bray people the referee strike that halted last weeks fixtures to a complete standstill is still ongoing after the referees voted on Monday to reamain on strike for the forseeable future. The report stated that the referee's would return to action this week although they were still in dispute, which is untrue. Referee's will remain on strike. This stems from the horrific incident involving the referee Thomas 'Tucker' Dowling. During a Div 2 match between Enniskerry yc (B) and Arklow Town (B) a player assaulted Mr.Dowling which left the referee with very bad and horrific facial injuries(Herald ran the story at the time). The strike is also because of the leniancy of the fine, Arklow were only fined €300 for the incident, which involved an illegal player(banger), who assaulted a referee. Should never have been on the pitch in the first place. And also the referee's now want 3 officials to officiate all Arklow Town games for the rest of the season in which the Wicklow League have said no to.....

**lisseltonrovers** · 13/02/2009, 10:31 AM

well done the refs. that lad should get jail and arklow thrown out of the league. €300 is a disgrace.

**KR's Post** · 13/02/2009, 11:04 AM

Just curious.. I'm sure this has happened else where. But what came from the incident? Fines, bans, club suspended? Please inform!

**centre mid** · 13/02/2009, 11:13 AM

I remember it happened in the LSL many years ago, Player got a 10 year ban but I cant recal what happened to the team. Surley Arklow have to get a fine for playing an illegal player in the first instance. €300 is shockingly poor.

**EAFC_rdfl** · 13/02/2009, 11:36 AM

look here

Fairly similar situation, the league committee here in the Roscommon league have also said they will always give full support to their referees, doesn't seem to be the same in wicklow judging by the opening post.

**no17 fan** · 15/02/2009, 4:29 AM

the 300 euro fine is insulting and pointless, I'm sure the fine is so small because most junior clubs don't have an income and any large fine would go unpaid and cause more problems,This player should get an indefinate suspension from soccer and left to play gaa in the summer for the rest of his days,,

**KR's Post** · 15/02/2009, 7:52 AM

Originally Posted by no17 fan

the 300 euro fine is insulting and pointless, I'm sure the fine is so small because most junior clubs don't have an income and any large fine would go unpaid and cause more problems,This player should get an indefinate suspension from soccer and left to play gaa in the summer for the rest of his days,,

25 year ban afaik. Basically lifetime. Apparently it's against human rights to issue a lifetime ban. Heard Tommy McNulty got it years ago and appealed and won? Maybe i'm wrong?