A former referee, who retired from officiating after he was assaulted at a game has become the GMOA president.

Former Antrim official Ray Matthews is the interim president of the newly formed Gaelic Match Officials Association, which was formed to seek greater protection for match officials on and off the field.

Matthews quit the game after the Ulster Council reduced suspensions given to the St Mary's Rasharkin GAA club following incidents that occurred in an under-21 match in Antrim. The former referee was assaulted during the game and has subsequently gave up refereeing.

The Antrim native is looking forward to his new role and admits there is plenty of work to be done over the coming months.

"Until we get the whole thing organised and properly set up with democratic elections, I will be holding the position," confirmed Matthews to the Irish Examiner. "An organisation like this is something we have been crying out for because of the politics of the referring world and the fear factor of not getting good matches if they complain about what has happened to them.

They are hesitant to come forward. It's not like the GPA because we're about representing all referees especially club referees. My profile is not the main reason. I fully endorse and believe in this. Because of what happened my face is out there. That's the hand I've been dealt. But it's strange. I know of a referees coordinator who asked hurling referees had they heard about the association and said, 'Jesus, do you not think they could have picked a higher profile referee'. Tweet

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