Hi, as part of a research project I was wondering if anyone has had abuse at club level from supporters? both their own and opposition. It's for part of my sports course and how elements of the ground football (Soccer) has crept into the GAA. I have been subject to it myself with all aspects of personal and sporting life of mine being cursed over the fence at me (unsurprising being from Ulster). If you could share your stories it would be very helpful.

Thanks

AnDun91 (Down) - Posts: 2 - 28/08/2015 14:20:08    1777517

No fortunately never had any abuse from supporters.maybe one or two moans but nothing over the top...my fault anyway as i put that down to my selfishness on the ball and my lack of pace.

The only abuse i get playing is from a few tough north Kerry corner backs.nothing verbal just pulling and dragging off the ball with the odd dig in the gut but nothing serious.

KY4SAM2015 (Kerry) - Posts: 898 - 28/08/2015 14:33:37    1777527

AnDun91
County: Down
Posts: 1

Hi, as part of a research project I was wondering if anyone has had abuse at club level from supporters? both their own and opposition. It's for part of my sports course and how elements of the ground football (Soccer) has crept into the GAA. I have been subject to it myself with all aspects of personal and sporting life of mine being cursed over the fence at me (unsurprising being from Ulster). If you could share your stories it would be very helpful.
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Sounds like your project is already on the wrong tracks, if you think that such abuse is emanating only from soccer.

Thomas Clarke (Tyrone) - Posts: 1002 - 28/08/2015 14:37:49    1777532

andun91 - Nearly 20 years of club football (mostly senior) under my belt and I've never had any unwarranted verbal abuse from the stands or sideline. Have been given some verbal abuse from stands after being involved in a couple of physical altercations with opponents on the pitch but that comes with the territory. Generally speaking, supporters at club matches in Mayo are well behaved. Verbal abuse on the pitch has become more prominent in recent years. If you ignore it, they give up after a while.

pdempsey (Mayo) - Posts: 1313 - 28/08/2015 14:46:18    1777539

How come it's ok to verbally abuse a referee and not a player?

daytona11 (Kildare) - Posts: 4012 - 28/08/2015 15:10:00    1777551

None to be honest - have let off a few stupid roars and got some back, but I wouldn't term anything said to me as abusive to be honest.

slayer (Limerick) - Posts: 6480 - 28/08/2015 15:30:08    1777569

I found myself in an unusual situation recently when our local club was hosting a couple of championship games. Anyway one of the appointed linesmen didn't turn up and I was asked to stand in for him. As it happened I was wearing a black tracksuit so I suppose I looked official (sort of). Anyway what I experienced over the next 2 hours shocked me. The amount of abuse levelled at the referees and often by default at myself was shocking. if a player was fouled it was the referees fault (even when he gave the free) Both referees were called everything under the sun. Supporters complained with even the most obvious decisions and abused the referee for simply doing his job. one of the games ended in a 15 point victory for one team and from what I could make out according to the supporters it was all the referees fault. Im not trying to defend referees I would say that the standard of referreing at club level is not what it should be, but in my opinion both of the referees on duty did a decent consistent and fair job. Sure they made some mistakes but overall they did ok. I would say that 90% of the abuse levelled at them was unwarranted. Now im no expert on the rules but it appeared to me that the most criticism and abuse came from the people who knew absolutely nothing in terms of rules.

indaknownow (Offaly) - Posts: 112 - 28/08/2015 15:45:19    1777577

verbal abuse at club level is 99% completley aimed at the referee , some fans will trade abuse most will laught it off and many will shake hands , my sons play at u15 and minor and speaking to them the trash talk is no different to when I played , every team has at least one mouth , but its the silent assassins you need to keep your eye on .

Damothedub (Dublin) - Posts: 5193 - 28/08/2015 19:16:36    1777624

I once had a game abandoned because of me.It was an under 15 hurling game against St Brigids,Blanchardstown.I was chasing the centre forward for what seemed an age and didnt close the gap,so i foolishly swung wildly and connected with the lads elbow.The scream of pain soon followed.I had to see red,but bizarrely,due to the fact it was only a practice match and my Dads good pal was the referee i only got booked.That was the last straw.The Brigids management lost the plot and pulled their team off.I was walked to the dressing room under armed guard and had to put up with a torrent of abuse.It was hard to decipher everything that was being fired at me,but a lot of it sounded like "birty hunt" & "tucking rollox".Pretty exciting for a 14 year old.I was a tough hurler,but i learned a lesson.

cuederocket (Dublin) - Posts: 5084 - 28/08/2015 20:03:15    1777642