According to reports the spectator who racially abused Wexford captain Lee Chin during the county's challenge game against Tipperary in Carrick-on-Suir this month has been given a 48-week suspension by the GAA's Central Competitions Control Committee.
The incident occurred during a heated moment among players towards the end of the second half on April 8, which led referee John Keenan to abandon the game.
The punishment was based on video evidence and the referee's report, and it has been reported that the person, who is a member of the GAA, has since apologized to Chin in a letter.
The incident has been widely condemned by both Tipperary and Wexford, as well as the Gaelic Players Association.
At Congress in February, delegates voted to upgrade any act of racism, sectarianism or anti-inclusion/diversity nature on an official or opponent to a Category VI charge.
The individual has been charged accordingly, but it is believed that the suspension may be reduced to 24 weeks if they complete an appropriate course of training or education, which is available online.
48-week ban for spectator who racially abused Lee Chin https://t.co/7zGcXr4C7n
— Irish Examiner (@irishexaminer) April 27, 2023
In other GAA news GAA referees in Kilkenny will not perform their duties in the county this weekend because an abusive letter was allegedly sent to a referee.
The referee in question was officiating an U17 minor hurling game between Erins Own and Thomastown, which Thomastown won.
According to a report from The Irish Examiner, the letter was sent to the referee questioning his decisions in the game.
The writer of the letter also included a line indicating knowledge of the referee and his family's residence, as well as a wish for the referee to "die roaring with cancer".
Local gardaí are investigating the letter from the anonymous sender. Today, it was confirmed that a group of officials in the county will protest from Friday to Monday due to growing abuse directed towards them from the sidelines. As a result, all hurling, camogie, Gaelic football, and ladies' football fixtures have been cancelled.
A statement on Kilkenny's website read: "Kilkenny Co Board has been informed that its referees are withdrawing their services this weekend (Friday to Monday inclusive) to highlight incidents of abuse directed at match officials in recent times.
"Kilkenny GAA does not condone any abusive behaviour and fully supports the GAA ethos of respecting our match officials. Our match officials are integral to the provision of games and all members of the GAA family, players, mentors, and supporters must acknowledge and respect this going forward. Kilkenny GAA will not be issuing any further comment at this time."
