Northern Ireland

Horseleap referee Daniel Sweeney tells attackers: 'I forgive you'

Daniel Sweeney said he would like to see a day that a referee can go onto a pitch and "feel safe"
Daniel Sweeney said he would like to see a day that a referee can go onto a pitch and "feel safe" Daniel Sweeney said he would like to see a day that a referee can go onto a pitch and "feel safe"

A REFEREE in the south who was seriously assaulted following a weekend soccer match has said he forgives his attackers.

Daniel Sweeney suffered facial injuries including a broken jaw when he was attacked following the match on Sunday in Horseleap on the Westmeath-Offaly county boundary.

Gardaí and the Football Association of Ireland are investigating the attack following the Combined Counties Football League game between Horseleap and Mullingar Town.

In a video message from hospital, the father-of-two said he bears "no animosity whatsoever" towards his attackers.

He said he would like to see a day that a referee can go onto a pitch and "feel safe".

"My main message here this evening is to say to the individuals involved I bear no animosity whatsoever for what happened – actually I forgive you for what happened," he said in the video clip sent to RTÉ.

"What I would like to see out of this at the end of the day, I would like to see that a referee can go onto a football field, feel safe and be safe."

Mr Sweeney also thanked medical staff and described the support he has received from the public as "outstanding and overwhelming".