The FAI have given a Sporting BJD footballer player a five-year ban from football-related activity for assaulting a match official earlier this month
The assault on the referee happened during the North Eastern Football League encounter between Sporting Ballyjamesduff FC and Bay United FC on April 6 in the NEFL clash in Dundalk.
The incident, which was recorded and widely circulated online, showed a player from Sporting BJD assaulting the referee with a kick to the midriff while he was still in the air. The match was abandoned five minutes before full time, with Bay United FC leading 1-0.
In response to the incident, the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) clained today that would impose a five-year ban on the player from all football-related activity.
A referee was left injured and a match was abandoned on Thursday night after a person apparently launched a flying kick at the match official.
Sporting Ballyjamesduff FC were playing Bay FC from Dundalk in Division 1 of the NEFL and Bay FC were leading 1-0 when it occurred pic.twitter.com/aBsULD31g8— TheRefereeForum.com (@TheRefereeForum) April 7, 2023
The statement from the FAI read: "Following a disciplinary hearing earlier today, an independent disciplinary committee has sanctioned a player from Sporting BJD FC with a five-year ban from all football-related activity for assaulting a match official during Sporting BJD FC’s game against Bay United FC in the North Eastern Football League on April 6th, 2023.
The FAI acknowledges and notes the decision made by the independent disciplinary committee and would like to reaffirm our strong condemnation of any act or threat of violence against match officials.
Please note the decision of the independent disciplinary committee may be appealed."
The incident has also prompted a Gardaí investigation. The attack on the referee is a criminal offense and could lead to legal action against the player. The investigation may also reveal whether other parties were involved or if there was any premeditation behind the attack.
Cavan club Sporting Ballyjamesduff were also been hit with a €500 fine and a 10-point deduction following the incident.
