Mr. Sean Slattery:

We have had the full spectrum, from referees being physically attacked and hit during games, some if it high profile, to intimidation, with referees being told "We'll get you in the car park" and "We know where you live". One member recently received a telephone call which, again, the Garda are dealing with because it was from a private number. He was told that he would be knifed at his next match. It is only in the tiny minority of games that these things happen, but we welcome the possibility of some action coming out of today's meeting.

The FAI and the regulations in place are very strong but, as I mentioned, we need the State to show a stronger hand when it comes to the reporting of these incidents. They are not just isolated incidents. Referees are going home feeling scared, etc. If it were not for the network of colleagues, more people would be leaving the game. Often when something happens in a game a referee can receive up to 15 telephone calls by the end of the day, etc., from colleagues. It is one of the loneliest feelings when you have to abandon a game of any type because on the long drive home you are constantly thinking about it. The full spectrum of what can be imagined is used and said, including threats. That would not be specific to any one area; it can happen anywhere to any of our colleagues.