In what were quite disgraceful scenes from the mentors and coaches from Davitt’s the referee official left the pitch in the second half and effectively abandoned the match.
A full report from St Brigids coaches has been sent to the Antrim Board and to the referees committee.
The referee was superb throughout. Playing at a very high standard he was subjected to constant verbal abuse from the 3 Davitt’s mentors that had come to YMCA.
On the pitch the Davitt’s tactic of off the ball fouls and blocks was not allowing St Brigids to play the football they are capable of.
Losing their lead St Brigids lads nevertheless tried to continue playing good football. The referee naturally was unable to see all off-the-ball incidents.
It must be stated that St Brigids did not in any way respond to the provocation throughout. The lads were and are a credit to the club.
In the second half a Davitts player was red carded for head butting Timothy Mc Crudden. It appeared that 2 other Davitt players already on yellow cards would be facing similar walks to the side lines.
At this stage the 3 Davitt’s mentors had encroached unto the pitch and escalated their verbal tirades. It was clear that the situation was now totally out-of-control so the Antrim Official left the pitch. He did the right thing as clearly the Davitts mentors were looking for more trouble.
After this the Davitts poeple turned their abuse onto St Brigids players and mentors. All credit to the lads they resisted the provocation.
A sad way to enter the summer break. However that type of behaviour and mentalitity should have no place in Anrtim football much less under- age football. Lets hope that Antrim Board are seen to be taking appropriate action.
Of the game St Brigids had half the squad missing due to injuries and abduction of players (apparently against their will), to America, Donegal, Sligo and the usual continental escapes. Please note we are not letting on who ended up in Sligo.
Apart from some soft goals ( and we’re not blaming our goalie) St Brigids should have been leading the game. In fact David Quigg celebrating his return to the team after exam breaks saved a penalty in the first half.
Of the 9 scores by St Brigid’s the statistical fact that 6 of those were scored by St Brigids star man Chris Donnelly highlights Chris’ input into the game. 2 points by Chris Mooney and a point by S.o’Brien completed the scores in this unfinished game.
We expect St Brigid’s to be awarded the points in this game. But quite frankly a match like this is a complete waste of time. Davitts were not interested in a fair, competitive match. There was no call for the verbal abuse, fouling and off the ball incidents. One would have to question the wisdom of even playing such a game against such a team.
On the positive side there was a tremoundous maturity shown by the St Brigids lads. Though Chris Donnelly showed great class by standing and offering to shake hands with each Davitt’s player. We will keep you fully advised of the outcome of the disiplinary proceedings against Davitts.
Mindfull of ensuring that all stats are kept up to date in Patricks absense –>
Team D Quigg ( D Brennan 45 mins) C Mackle, T MCKeogh, C Owens, C MC Kenna (N Murray 30 mins), A MC Larnan, R Mackle ( C Keenan 30 mins), T MC Crudden, D Connelly, D Brennan (S Murton 45 mins) C Connolly ( N Blake- Knox 40 mins) D MC Keever , C MC Loughlin (C Mooney 30 mins)
Scorers C Donnelly (0-6) C Mooney (0-2) S O’Brien ( 0-1)
Man of the Match C Donnelly
New Players Congratulations to Nial Blake-Knox who had
