Dublin boss Jim Gavin has called on the GAA to crack down on any player or official found guilty of racist abuse or spitting after a series of recent incidents.
Gavin made the comments before his team was beaten by Tyrone (1-14 to 0-18) in Saturday night’s big NFL clash at Croke Park, his first league defeat as boss.
He spoke out after a series of high profile spitting incidents and claims of racist abuse on and off the field which the Croke Park authorities are currently investigating with plans to introduce lengthy bans for those found guilty to be put to Congress.
Gavin said, “Put it out there and put strong punitive measures in place for it. I know some players have expressed disappointment at the proposed eight-week ban for racist abuse. I’m at a loss, to be honest.
“The FAI have a six-month ban for racism. I think we should go further and put it out there for 12 months, a mandatory 12-month ban for any form of racism.
“We’ve a lot of people from different cultures and backgrounds. We might attract them into the game without any fear, and that the sporting organization is going to support them.”
Gavin also wants the GAA to take a hard line against anyone who spits at a player on or off the field of play.
He told reporters, “Spitting is completely unacceptable. There should be a zero tolerance policy on everything from that to racial abuse to sledging.”
Gavin was forced to rest star man Bernard Brogan for the Tyrone game while youngster Ciaran Kilkenny was forced out after just five minutes with a knee injury.
Kilkenny will have a scan on the injury this week, while Paul Flynn will miss the remainder of the league campaign after tearing his hamstring against Tyrone.
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