There is no place for vile abuse in the GAA

We are all entitled to our opinion, but when that view crosses the line of decency then it has no place in life, let alone sport.
Last Saturday week in Tullamore the torrent of abuse hurled at players from a very small (both in number and minds) minority of so called supporters has no place in our games and such incidents should be reported to officials and action demanded.
Back in May a 'fan' was escorted from his seat by Gardai at Thomond Park minutes after heckling Osprey's out-half Dan Bigger as he was kicking a penalty during his side's Pro12 semi-final clash with Munster.
The tradition in rugby is to 'respect the kicker' and remain silent for all kicks, and when this one particular guy booed Bigger on a couple of occasions the fans around him cried 'out, out, out' demanding intervention from the stewards.
Their calls were eventually heard early in the second-half and to loud applause the offending heckler was led away.
Such an approach needs to be taken in both soccer and GAA.
The level of totally unwarranted abuse and vitriol hurled at Meath players in Tullamore during the Leinster SFC semi-final loss to Kildare was unsavoury, actually downright disgusting and I just hope no parent of one of the players was within earshot to hear the hatred spewed at their son.
We all have a right to be disappointed and we can moan and groan and complain when we aren't happy with what unfolds and lord knows there was plenty to be less than pleased about in that performance, but when that criticism crossed the line into abuse then that's a step too far.
We all offer views on where it went wrong and why, but one thing that cannot be questioned is a players integrity, parentage and effort.
Since last August/September the vast majority of those players have been preparing themselves for the Leinster SFC. Every intention, every step out of bed and every morsel put in their mouth is aimed at being the best they can be.
Circumstances will always contrive to put roadblocks in the way of success, but one thing that is beyond reproach is that those players have done everything humanly possible to be the best they can be.
They don't need, abusive, bitter, wannabes and neverweres slouching half-jarred on a terrace or sitting on their asses in the blazing sun after stuffing their faces with chicken rolls and cans of coke hurling dogs abuse about their lineage.
Not only are those perpetrators of such abuse bringing a bad name on their county, they are also showing an example to the younger fans coming through and unless these scumbags are pointed out and treated as such by the relevant authorities then those younger supporters might start to believe that such actions are 'just part of the craic'.
There is no place for abuse of ANYONE in any walk of life. If you are standing next to a thug or a wannabe hooligan, don't hesitate to have a word with the nearest steward or Garda and ask that they be removed from your vicinity.