A player from Cavan side Sporting BJD has been handed a five-year ban from all football-related activity by the FAI after his assault on a referee during a North Eastern Football League encounter against Bay United FC earlier this month.
Gardaí have already launched an investigation into the incident, which was recorded and widely circulated online.
The match was abandoned after 85 minutes, with the Louth team leading their Ballyjamesduff opponents 1-0 at the time.
A statement from the FAI released on Friday read: "Following a disciplinary hearing earlier today, an independent disciplinary committee has sanctioned a player from Sporting BJD FC with a five-year ban from all football-related activity for assaulting a match official during Sporting BJD FC's game against Bay United FC in the North Eastern Football League on April 6th, 2023.
"The FAI acknowledges and notes the decision made by the independent disciplinary committee and would like to reaffirm our strong condemnation of any act or threat of violence against match officials.
"Please note the decision of the independent disciplinary committee may be appealed."
The NEFL had already suspended a member of the Sporting BJD management team for three games for their conduct on the night.
