Opinion: More than just a game

Harrington player receives life ban

Referee Rod Copp faces a tense 12 month wait for a health clearance after being spat in the face at a local league clash.

The match official is being tested for Hepatitis B and C, and HIV – amongst others – with initial results coming back clear. Further and ongoing testing is required in six and 12 months’ time.

Mr Copp said he tried not to think about the consequences of the incident.

“I’ve got a family to look out for. The first round of results came back clear but the doctor said something could develop,” he said.

Harrington Hurricane’s player Steve Paulson was handed a lifetime ban from the code following a May 22 incident.

Mr Copp said he was unsure how he would feel returning to matches but was buoyed by the support he had received.

“After Harrington I refereed a Group 2 clash between Kempsey and Old Bar on the Sunday. I didn’t know how my head would be. But the response from referees, club officials and players was encouraging.”

Despite the support, Mr Copp is adamant there needs to be zero tolerance to abuse.

“It can’t go on. The standard needs to be set and a clear message sent to players, clubs and spectators. This is the first time something like this has happened to me. Even back in the tough old days, you’d never spit at anyone,” he said.

“I think spectators’ attacks on match officials are getting too personal. Referees have a thick skin, but when it goes into the personal I think that crosses a line. And that’s why we don't have referees.

“Just because you pay money at the gate doesn’t give you the right to verbally abuse anyone.”

And the message is clear about the impact of crowd abuse at local fixtures too. 

“My family travels with me to most fixtures. So while I was being abused on the field by some spectators (at Harrington), my wife and kids were lining up at the canteen to support the club,” he said.