Croke Park to probe Down SFC final referee controversy
October 20, 2023
Referee Paul Faloon. ©INPHO/Tom Maher.
Croke Park is to carry out an investigation into the events surrounding the Down SFC final refereeing controversy.
Clubs in the Mourne County have been notified that the GAA at central level will be conducting an independent review at the request of Down GAA. In an astonishing chain of events last Sunday, Meath's David Gough was drafted in to replace fellow inter-county referee Paul Faloon after Kilcoo had objected to Drumgath match official’s appointment. However, Gough then withdrew, leaving stand-by referee Brian Higgins to fill the void and ensure the final went ahead.
The controversy overshadowed Kilcoo’s 2-12 to 0-9 victory over Burren and prompted a statement from Down GAA criticising the Magpies’ stance and vowed to ensure that there would be no right of appeal against the appointment of a referee in future.
— Official Down GAA (@OfficialDownGAA) October 19, 2023Tweet
