Abandoned game to be investigated

THE Meath & District League (MDL) Executive Committee will have to focus their attention on disciplinary matters at next week's meeting when they consider the report from referee Peter Burns junior into an abandoned Div 2 game in Nobber on Sunday.

There was a big furore at the start of the season following incidents at adult and under-age games and one of the referee's who was involved at that time was Burns junior.

The Meath Branch (ISRS) official called an early halt at the weekend at Nobber during a Div. 2 clash between hosts Electro Celtic and Kentstown Rovers.

Kentstown Rovers, who were promoted last season and have already advanced to the second round of the prestigious FAI Junior Cup, were ahead by 2-1 when the trouble surfaced.

The Nobber men had a player red-carded 10 minutes into the second-half, but a Kentstown player followed him soon after.

Allegedly, an incident developed subsequently in the dressing rooms and that then spread to the sidelines at a time when hosts Electro Celtic were preparing to take a penalty which could have restored parity.

The referee decided to call a halt to proceedings and now, the matter will be discussed by the MDL once they receive the official report later this week.

Another club Trim Town / Kilmessan, could also be in hot water with the disciplinary committee following alleged abuse of referee Pat Henry after their Div. 1 game against Navan Town last week, which they lost by 2-5.

MDL club delegates had suggested at last week's FAI regional club forum in Carrickmacross that teams should adopt a more responsible approach on match day, especially in relation to referees.

"The club delegates made some very positive suggestions from the floor about various match day requirements and it is disappointing that we have had a couple of unsavoury incidents since then," commented MDL secretary Gerry Gorman who indicated that they would have to study the report into Sunday's incident in Nobber.

MDL Oscar Traynor Trophy team manager Alan Clarke can look forward to a tough opening round for his representative team in the FAI competition.

The MDL will travel to Dublin on Saturday, 10th November for a first round assignment against the AUL. They will complete the programme after Christmas against the holders, Amateur League and the Leinster Football League.

The Carlow League were also included in the group, but they have withdrawn.

North East Regional Development Officer (RDO) Tom Mohan will conduct a senior introductory coaching course at the MDL, Navan next January. Anyone who has completed a Kick-start 2 level course is eligible to participate, further details from Tom Mohan at (087) 4108079.