FAI increases the ban of player involved in referee assault in Dundalk

The FAI has announced that the player at the centre of an assault during a North Eastern Football League match in Dundalk will have his ban from all football activity increased.

Last month a video went viral after a Sporting BJD player assaulted a referee during a game with Bay United on April 6th.

He had initially been handed out a five year ban, but after a disciplinary hearing earlier this week this ban has now been extended to seven years. 

"Following a disciplinary hearing, an Independent Appeal Committee has increased the sanction imposed on a player from Sporting BJD FC for assaulting a match official during a match between Sporting BJD FC and Bay United FC in the North Eastern Football League" explained a statement released by the FAI.

"The player had initially been given a five-year ban from all football-related activities by an Independent Disciplinary Committee. However, on appeal, this ban has been increased to a seven-year ban from all football-related activities.

"The FAI acknowledges the decision by the Independent Appeal Committee and wishes to reiterate our zero tolerance approach towards any abuse or threat or act of violence against match officials.