A top Tyrone referee has warned that referees may withdraw their services from club games in the county if abusive treatment continues.
Intercounty referee Michael Hughes refers to the worsening situation in his capacity as secretary of the county's referees committee.
"Both the levels of physical and verbal abuse of referees have increased in 2006," says Hughes.
The referee was speaking in his report to the upcoming county convention.
Hughes says that one serious incident in a Tyrone game this year led to referees refusing to handle games involving one particular club.
"One such abuse which was witnessed by members of the referee's family who, when intervening on his behalf, were subjected to similar treatment, was completely abhorrent and resulted in the withdrawal of referees from game involving a club," said Hughes.
Earlier this week, Armagh secretary Paddy Nugent revealed that a number of "strike threats and walkouts" were issued by unhappy Armagh referees during 2006.
Intercounty referee Michael Hughes refers to the worsening situation in his capacity as secretary of the county's referees committee.
"Both the levels of physical and verbal abuse of referees have increased in 2006," says Hughes.
The referee was speaking in his report to the upcoming county convention.
Hughes says that one serious incident in a Tyrone game this year led to referees refusing to handle games involving one particular club.
"One such abuse which was witnessed by members of the referee's family who, when intervening on his behalf, were subjected to similar treatment, was completely abhorrent and resulted in the withdrawal of referees from game involving a club," said Hughes.
Earlier this week, Armagh secretary Paddy Nugent revealed that a number of "strike threats and walkouts" were issued by unhappy Armagh referees during 2006.
