Outgoing National Referees Committee chairman Mick Curley says abuse of referees remains as big a problem as ever.

The former All-Ireland final referee told the Irish Daily Star: "Over the last few years, we have seen a number of attacks on referees. In my opinion, physical assaults are not acceptable in any shape or form in the GAA.

"We all know referees can make mistakes, but reverting to violence and intimidation cannot be allowed to take place. There is a place for constructive criticism, but attacks cannot be tolerated."

The Galway man also calls on the media to cut match officials some slack.

"I would love to see a greater understanding of referees by analysts. Referees end up getting abuse for implementing the letter of the law. They end up being called 'a fussy referee', but these are the referees that are following the rules and should be applauded." Tweet

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