Authorities to Act Over Assault on Referee
December 06, 2012
There has been widespread comdemnation of the serious assault on teenage referee Joshua Porter during last Saturday's Division One clash between Tummery Athletic and Irvinestown Wanderers, an incident which is being investigated by the PSNI. The game had to be abandoned after Porter was assaulted by a Tummery Athletic player. The Dromore club have acted swiftly to impose a lifetime ban on the player from the club, describing his actions as "totally inexcusable" and stating that they will assist the Fermanagh and Western in their investigation.
And in a joint statement, the League and the Referees Association said that the offending player and the club will be dealt with according to rule while acknowledging "the letters of apology received from Tummery Athletic and their willingness to assist the investigation in any way."
The sides were tied at 2-2 when the incident occurred in the second half. It is understood that a Tummery player assaulted Sixmilecross referee Porter as he was about to show him a red card. It is also believed that Porter had to receive medical treatment for injuries to his face and leg.
In their statement, the Fermanagh and Western League and Fermanagh and Western Referees' Association said: "On behalf of the League and Referees' Association, we wish to condemn the assault on Referee Joshua Porter on Saturday 1st December in the Division 1 fixture between Tummery Athletic and Irvinestown Wanderers.
"The League will fully investigate the alleged incident and the offending player and club will be dealt with according to rule. The Disciplinary Committee of the Fermanagh & Western Football Association consider the Referees' Report in relation to misconduct.
"This matter will be raised at the League Management Committee meeting to be held on Thursday night, but the case will not be adjudicated on the night as all parties will be given time to make a submission and consider the Referees' Report.
"The League & Referees' Association acknowledge the letters of apology received from Tummery Athletic and their willingness to assist the investigation in any way.
"We would like to wish Joshua a speedy recovery and look forward to welcoming him back to officiating in our League as soon as he feels fit."
Tummery Athletic apologised to the whistler in their statement, which read: "Tummery Athletic as a club would, first of all, like to apologise to Joshua Porter for the incident at Crawford's Lane on Saturday December 1, 2012.
"The actions of our player were totally inexcusable and the Tummery Athletic Committee have met and imposed a lifetime ban on the player from the club.
"Our primary concern at present is Joshua's well being. We would like to wish him a speedy recovery and we hope that the incident does not affect his willingness to referee.
"We would also like to apologise to the Fermanagh and Western Football League for our player bringing the game into disrepute and tarnishing the image of the local game.
"The club will assist the Fermanagh and Western in their investigation into the incident."
And the PSNI confirmed that they are investigating the matter.
"Police in Omagh received a report of an assault during a football match in the Crawford Lane area of Dromore on Saturday 1st December.
It was reported that at approximately 3.45pm a 19-year-old man had been assaulted during an altercation on the pitch. He sustained bruising to his face and left leg.Police are following a specific line of enquiry."