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GAA

02nd Jun 2023

Former GAA star calls for referee to be banned following alleged assault claim

Lee Costello

GAA referee

“He shouldn’t ever ref a game again.”

Former GAA star Shane Curran has called for a referee to be banned after video evidence emerged apparently discrediting his claims of assault by a Dublin club player.

Ciaran Archer plays for Division Two Dublin side St. Maurs, and is a well known name in the county, having previously won the Dublin u20 Player of the Year award in 2019.

A referee’s report alleged Archer had assaulted him during a Division Two club game between St. Maurs and Scoil Ui Chonaill, with a potential 96-week ban proposed.

This decision has since been overturned following the release of a video, as correspondence from the Dublin CCC last night stated that its hearings committee had reviewed the video evidence.

The committee has since recommended that the player be exonerated on the basis that the contact between Archer and referee Danny Harrington was accidental. As a result it stated that no sanction should apply.

Ex-Roscommon hero Curran isn’t satisfied with just the ban being overturned, and wants to see further consequences for the match official.

The former goalkeeper took to Twitter to make his point.

“The other side of the coin – He shouldn’t ever ref a game again. On a mission.”

Archer will be allowed to continue to play football once again, and his club will be delighted with the news given how important he is to the team.

The flying forward is best known for his role in the u20 county team that won Leinster and made it all the way to the All-Ireland final.

Many expected great things from the skilful player, but he has struggled recently to break into Dessie Farrell’s squad. David Hanlon and Daire Newcombe were also on that u20 team, and have since made the transition.

However, Archer is still young and has some experience at senior level, playing for the Dubs in the O’Byrne Cup and National League in 2022.

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