A major investigation is underway after a GAA referee took a shocking beating after a match in Tullamore, Co. Offaly.
The FAI Chief Executive John Delaney is said to be meeting with Irish Soccer Referees’ Society to discuss the assault on the referee which happened on Sunday.
According to RTE, referee Daniel Sweeney is in hospital with a suspected broken jaw and nose injury after he allegedly got set upon by four thugs in a car park after the match.
The match was part of the the Combined Counties Football League and saw a dispute towards the end of game, which featured Mullingar Town and took place in Horseleap near the Westmeath-Offaly county border.
It’s understood that three players and a spectator took to the car park of the vicinity where an incident occurred and Mr Sweeney received a horrendous beating.
It’s understood that Mr Sweeney underwent surgery this afternoon to fix his jaw which was broken in at least two places and possibly a broken nose with other facial injuries not ruled out.
Gardai have said that they’re taking the incident very seriously and have launched an investigation with questioning having already begun.
The FAI has condemned the attack with their own investigation taking place.