Six Louth fans could face charges arising from Leinster Final aftermath

Louth supporters who allegedly carried out assaults on referee Martin Sludden in the aftermath of the Louth-Meath Leinster Football Final at Croke Park, and committed public order offences, are expected to face prosecution, Garda sources have confirmed. The referee has given Gardai a detailed statement and it is possible that up to six people will face appearances in court. The decision to investigate and press charges is normal procedure in the wake of public order incidents and Gardai are believed to have studied television film of the incident since the match last month. Several Louth supporters allowed themselves to be photographed and interviewed in newspapers and expressed remorse over what happened in the heat of the moment. Martin Sludden was attacked and jostled by Louth supporters as he tried to leave the pitch and had to be escorted by Gardai who shielded him from angry fans. Gardai said that up to six people could be charged in connection with the incident. Gardai from Fitzgibbon Street station, the station nearest to Croke Park, are co-ordinating the investigation. A Garda spokesman said yesterday (Tuesday) that the investigation is still going on. The referee was contacted by Gardai in the wake of the controversial match. He is understood to have consulted with the GAA before making a detailed statement in the past week or so. Individuals who have been identified by Gardai or Mr Sludden can expect to be interviewed shortly. Charges may be may under the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act, 1997. Following the pitch invasion after the match, Mr Sludden appeared to have been struck more than once and hostled as he left the pitch. Louth Manager Peter Fitzpatrick had to hold off some of the angry supporters from Louth. The scenes followed the injury-time goal scored by Meath's Joe Sheridan which deprived Louth of the Leinster title after a 50-year wait. The referee consulted the umpire and ruled the goal was valid. However, television footage showed that the goal should not have been awarded because of claims that the ball was thrown over the goal line. In his match report, the referee said that his ruling in the dying seconds of the game was "a terrible mistake". Earlier this month, GAA president Christy Cooney appealed to the media to let the issue lie so as to allow the referee to get on with his life. "I hope he is allowed to move on and concentrate on future refereeing assignments without disruption or distraction," said Mr Cooney.