Advertisement
©INPHO/James Crombie
GAA

Immigrant Council highlight GAA's stance on racism as 'an example to all'

Today’s GAA Congress at Croke Park saw 95.5% of delegates vote to make racism offences a red card one.

THE GAA’S DECISION today to give referees the power to issue a red card for racist and sectarian offences committed by players, has been praised by the Immigrant Council of Ireland.

Today’s GAA Congress at Croke Park saw Motion 60 passed by a huge majority by delegates as it received 95.5% of the vote.

The wording of the motion permits referees to brandish a red card if a player should ’act by deed, word or gesture of a racist, sectarian or anti inclusion/diversity nature against an opponent’.

The decision has been welcomed by the Immigrant Council of Ireland. The Council says the overwhelming vote and rule change is an important step in efforts to end complacency around racism, according to their chief executive Denise Charlton.

“As an organisation which reaches every community in Ireland the GAA has a responsibility to ensure that racism does not happen in all its clubs and grounds.

“GAA players are sporting icons for our young people and by taking a stand against racism they are setting an example which should be followed in school and other lower level games.

“In particular we believe that introducing a red card offence with bans of eight weeks or more sends out a strong message. It is important in the coming months that the impact of the new rule is kept under review to ensure it provides a robust response to any incidents.”

Clock-hooter system voted in for 2014 GAA senior inter-county championship games

GAA vote against lettered jerseys being introduced for blood substitutions

Your Voice
Readers Comments
40
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.