Match officials to clamp down firmly on verbal

 

REFEREES boss Pat McEnaney says he will direct match officials to clamp down firmly on verbal abuse in the coming weeks if it "becomes a cancer in our game.

What is called 'sledging' in cricket circles was extremely prevalent between Cork and Kerry players during last Sunday's Munster SFC semi-final. Live television repeatedly captured players goading each other and that contributed significantly to several flash points, apparently involving foul or offensive language, at Pairc Ui Chaoimh.

McEnaney, who admitted that he had noticed the increased occurrence of these incidents, said referees will start punishing such behaviour if it becomes a prominent feature in matches.

Under GAA Rule 5.24, "to threaten or to use abusive or provocative language or gestures to an opponent" should be punished with an official caution (a yellow card) and a repeat offence in the same game should result in the offender being sent off.

Rule 5.31 recommends the same punishment if a player uses abusive or provocative language/gesture to one of his own team-mates.
http://www.independent.ie/sport/gaelic-football/refs-boss-ready-to-crack-down-on-verbal-abuse-3136609.html