All-Ireland hurling final referee James Owens has spoken about the online abuse that GAA whistlers are subjected to and how it affects their families.

Speaking to the Irish Independent at the launch of the Referee Development Plan yesterday, the Wexford man commented: “I've experienced it that my family have really suffered on some of the decisions.

“It's just the general talk, or whatever, people are talking about this and people are talking about that. It's all on social media. That does have a very negative effect on (referees).

“You know, if you have your family suffering from certain decisions you make, obviously it is going to affect you in a way as well.

“But that's social media for you. I can't do a whole lot about it.”

Tweet

Most Read Stories