I have to admit that on balance I probably deserved a good thump, having been the main aggressor in an earlier altercation. But nothwithstanding the perfect karma associated with my smack, the issue of such incidents is becoming a serious one. In Gaelic Games in particular, there have been a couple of high profile on-field assaults. The last one I witnessed was at the All-Ireland Club Hurling Final where a St. Josephs player was only booked for dangerously pulling across the head of an Athenry defender. The main reason for the continuance of this type of behaviour on pitches all across the country is the fact that players get away with it.
Referees invariably fail to report such incidents correctly.
This is a common occurrence if a county player is involved in something unsavoury during a club game in close proximity to an important county fixture. As I speak, I'm well aware of the apparent hypocricy in my statements, but I feel this has to be driven by the GAA authorities. Consistent refereeing, heavy suspensions and zero tolerance of anything other than clean football and hurling is needed. These might just be about as popular as the Football Development Committee proposals, which are being put to Congress next week. Personally I see them as an honest attempt to improve the existing Football Championship and a positive step in the right direction.