Top Mayo soccer boss calls for extra referee support

Castlebar Celtic manager Stevie Gavin has called for greater support for referees following his team’s victory over Cartron United in the second round of the Connacht Cup.

While Celtic celebrated their win, Gavin took the opportunity to highlight an ongoing issue in the league as due to a shortage of match day officials referees are left without linesmen for big games.

“It’s not fair on referees, to be perfectly honest,” he stated, noting the need for additional officiating support. “Perhaps bringing in a few referees from Roscommon or elsewhere on weekends could help when they’re under pressure.”

Gavin’s side faced challenges during the match, particularly in the absence of assistant referees. Several contentious calls sparked frustration among the home side, but Gavin defended the officials, stressing that referees should not bear the blame when left to officiate alone.

“For a game at this level, it’s just not right,” he said. “Damian MacGraith was here by himself recently as well, and it just makes things so much tougher for all of us, to be quite honest.”

Refereeing shortages have plagued the Mayo League, with the end of last season seeing a lack of assistant referees for several Elverys Sport Super League fixtures.

This is despite the league organising workshops and free refereeing courses, the shortage continues to put a strain on match-day officials, clubs and managers alike.